I wanted to write a letter to you about the idea that 'Life is a journey and not a destination.' In our culture, we often value greed, power, and success as the highest achievements. We strive for more money, popularity, and success. Recently, I watched a YouTube clip about getting rich, focusing on buying houses, shares, and even gold. However, Jesus taught the exact opposite. In his teachings called the Beatitudes, Jesus said, 'Blessed are the poor' (Luke 6) and 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5). I don't think Jesus is glorifying poverty and suffering as goals, but rather emphasizing how we approach life. Do we trust God? Do we allow God to be God? When we do, something special happens, something we couldn't have foreseen.
There is a poem by Robert Frost called “The Road Not Taken†that resonates deeply with me:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Frost suggests stepping out of our comfort zones and encourages us to take the more challenging road. This theme resonates with a pivotal decision in my life. At the end of my university degree in computer science, while many of my peers rushed into jobs, I chose to volunteer for a whole year at Marist Farmhouse in the Southern High lands, now called Marist Hermitage. This place, run by the Marist Brothers and a community of lay young adults, both men and women, was set up to run a retreat house and help on the farm and property.
During that year, I learned invaluable lessons about myself and practical skills I would not have learned otherwise, like cooking for 30 people, cleaning numerous sets of sheets, or becoming more confident when talking to different groups. Personally, the Marist Farmhouse deepened my understanding of God. It was a place for daily communal prayer, the importance of growing through relationships in community, reflection, and personal psychological growth.
Marist Farmhouse was like being transplanted from a smaller garden to a larger one. My journey there did not make me richer in a financial sense, more popular like on Tiktok, or more successful in what culture and society often promote and want. Instead, it revealed good things that lay hidden deep within my life. That some people might miss. The people around me, the Marist Brothers, and other laypeople helped shape who I am today. My desire to follow Mary's example as a Marist lay person began at this moment.
For you, I encourage you to 'take the road less travelled.' Consider and discern which path is more challenging. Maybe the challenging path right now is to study when you don't want to, to get a part-time job, to make new friends, or to stand up for what is right. In the film 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R. Tolkien Frodo inherits the One Ring from his uncle, Bilbo Baggins, and learns from Gandalf the wizard that it must be destroyed to prevent the dark lord Sauron from conquering Middle-earth. The task is daunting, and while the simpler path might have been to ignore or abandon this responsibility, Frodo chooses to take the more challenging road of attempting to destroy it.
The road to Mordor, where the Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom, is fraught with danger. Unlike other potential missions or battles that might bring glory or honour, Frodo's path is one of stealth, sacrifice, and immense personal risk with no promise of reward. This journey is less about conquering enemies in battle and more about enduring and surviving.
Throughout his journey, Frodo faces not only physical threats from enemies but also the corrupting influence of the Ring itself. The Ring tempts Frodo with power and immortality, a test that becomes increasingly difficult as he nears his goal. His ability to resist, while faltering, underscores his commitment to the path he has chosen, one that requires him to forego personal gain for the greater good.
Frodo's journey is marked by periods of intense isolation, particularly as he gets closer to Mordor. However, it is also characterized by his dependence on others who are less likely heroes, such as Samwise Gamgee, his loyal friend and gardener. This contrasts with more traditional heroic paths where warriors might rely on strength and arms. Frodo's need for emotional and physical support from Sam highlights the unique nature of his journey.
Frodo's journey represents the ultimate testament to the idea that the most worthwhile paths are often the most difficult. His story is a powerful allegory for the battles fought within oneself against the easier choices of power, greed, success and surrender to a greater call. In taking the road less traveled, Frodo illustrates the themes of true heroism, sacrifice, and the impact of personal choices on the broader world.
In conclusion, As you all continue to grow and explore who you want to become, remember that sometimes the best path isn't the easiest one. Just like Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings,' who chose a difficult journey that was right, not just for him, but for the whole world, you too might face choices between what is easy and what is right.
Choosing the harder path might mean studying a bit more when you'd rather relax, or standing up for a friend who is being treated unfairly. These decisions might seem small now, but just like Frodo's journey, they shape who you are and the world around you.
So, take a moment, think about the kind of person you want to be, and when the time comes, don't be afraid to take the road less traveled. It might make all the difference, not just to you, but to everyone around you. Remember, every great adventure starts with a step out of your comfort zone!
Questions for further reflection
What does 'taking the road less travelled' mean to you in your own life?
Why is it hard to take the more challenging or hard path?
How can facing challenges now help you grow as a person?
What are some ways you can support your friends if they choose a difficult but right path?
Discuss
When you get time listen to this song Song - Tauren Wells - Hills and Valleys
Song - Pat Barrett - Build My Life
Final Prayer Loving God, guide us as we walk through the paths of life, especially when we face roads less travelled that challenge us. Give us the courage to choose the right over the easy, to embrace growth over comfort, and to trust in Your divine plan. Help us to find strength in our faith and in the support of those around us as we strive to make choices that reflect Your love and justice. May we always be inspired by the examples of those who have courageously walked before us, trusting that You are with us in every step we take. Amen.
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