Friday March 28 2014

Looking Back: Only Believe

 A reflection from March 1934

“Only Believe”

The world is not a place in which to be dogmatic. There is more behind the appearance of things than we have any conception of. This has been indicated by recent scientific discovery. Nothing is more remarkable in the development of thought than the manner in which we are revising our ideas about that complex of mysteries the universe around us.

We are realizing how exceedingly limited an instrument the mind is; how little it can tell us about life and law, and their latent possibilities. When science is making the incredible credible and producing miracles out of what seems the commonplace one is inclined to lean more towards mysticism than materialism. For the great mass of people the wisest as well as the happiest attitude is, while looking for truth and welcoming the light, to live their lives in humble belief and trust in the simple essentials of religion, content with the knowledge that they are now seeing through a glass darkly and know only in part, but that all will yet be fully known.

Belief is more rational than unbelief if it satisfies the spirit and creates a saintlier life. This, at any rate, is enough for the average man and woman. Before such an attitude most of the matters that distract the Christian soul would vanish. This month we are within sight of Calvary, which for some brings its difficulty. That can be met by regarding it from a new angle. In the words of one of our thoughtful modern writers: “If the resurrection discloses new and wider horizons, and shows a world at once grander and more coherent, more spiritual and more intelligible, it is no longer a difficulty for candid minds, but a revelation which goes far to authenticate itself.”

We stand before the mystery of the Cross half in doubt, half in fear, as did the disciples. But “Be not afraid,” said the Lord to them. It is only his reassuring charge: “Be not afraid – only believe.”

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