The toughness required by our times

Fr. Roy Cimagala

IT goes without saying that we are in truly tough times.

And it’s not simply because terrorism is spreading all over the world.

That is already horrific enough. But the worst terrorism is of the spiritual kind.

That’s when we lose faith, hope and charity that actually devastates us more than whatever havoc terrorists can wreak on us.

That’s when we lose God that we can be maimed and pulverized beyond recognition.

This can be gleaned from what Christ himself said; “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. Rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt 10,28)

We need to meditate on these words more slowly so we can rectify our tendency to peg our idea of terrorism on the natural, human if not physical dimension only. We need to go beyond that level.

We may be able to reduce if not eliminate terrorism and criminality in our society. But the toughness that is involved in that aspect would still be less if we are not tough to resist even a small temptation or venial sin. We would still be rightly described as spineless.

If we cannot control or regulate our blabbering and gossiping tongue, or our wayward and wild imagination, emotions and passions, then we are not really tough.

And to think that we are not simply ranged against small or ordinary enemies. As St. Paul would put it: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6,12)

Tough times call for tough actions and for toughness itself. They test our mettle. They bring out the kind of spirit we have, for in the end it’s the spirit, more than anything else, that holds the key.

Like a reagent, tough times detect and show the range and scope, the breadth and depth of our ultimate anchor beliefs. That’s the saving grace of these unwelcome times.

We have to understand that toughness is not just a matter of physical strength or intellectual superiority. Much less is it a question of wealth, power and fame. These only have very limited effectiveness.

Toughness has its roots, branches and fruits mainly in the spirit. And it’s where our spirit takes root, where it’s established and fixed that determines the quality and authenticity of our toughness, to see if our toughness can really run the gauntlet.

If it’s just based on things human and natural, like our best physical strength or our most ideal political will, then we are in for great trouble. But if it’s founded on faith in God, on our hope and charity, then even the troubles become a source of strength.

St. Paul says so: “Strength is made perfect in weakness. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the strength of Christ may dwell in me. Wherefore I am satisfied with persecutions, with distresses. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12,8-10)

More, St. Paul says in his Letter to the Philippians: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (4,13) This after saying that he knows how to be abased and how to abound, how to face both plenty and hunger, abundance and want.

We have to understand this reasoning of faith well. This is what truly corresponds to who and how we are. We are not just any creature, biological, social and intellectual. We are persons and children of God. We are mainly a spiritual being with a supernatural goal.

What is proper of us is to live in the life of God. That’s what our spiritual faculties—our intellect and will—are for. We just don’t depend on material nourishment. It’s in our living union with God, through grace and our will, where we develop our true life and derive our toughness.

Such toughness combines both hard and soft qualities, enabling us to be strong without being rigid, energetic without being violent. It lets us to be patient and hopeful without being inactive. On the contrary, it allows us to be creative and flexible, resourceful and enterprising.

Such toughness distances us from the clutches of excessive worries and self-pity. It empowers us to find joy and peace even in the midst of suffering. It teaches us how to suffer with a smile, and how to wait productively. It breeds and keeps our determination.