What is a blessing? We tend to think of 'fortune' as a blessing for a person to live more comfortably by 'possessing' or 'acquiring' wealth, clothing, work. But is it a real blessing to live alone and comfortably in the midst of economic difficulties and political turmoil? Let us reflect together on the meaning of 'blessing'.
Koreans live in a culture where 'han' is prevalent (a feeling that an injustice has been done to them, an ache in the heart). It is the sense of being wronged by a superior agent: the Japanese colonial period, the Korean War, losing their parents, families, homes, birthplaces, the fear of the pain of war among the elderly—in present-day Korea, the common unending competition, battle for jobs, the uncertain future of the young.
The 386 generation refers to people now in places of authority in society. They attended university in the 1980s, born in the 1960s. They were the ones who brought the country back to democracy, protesting against oppression and hardships in the authoritarian era. In the early 1990s, the latest computer model was Intel's 386 from which they take the name. However, now that generation, in self-contradiction for what they fought, are pursuing material power, money, and recognition.
Koreans are keen on getting ahead in society, but are exhausted, spiritually depleted in constant comparisons and competition. Young people, adults, and the old are not communicating with each other and the results are great distress.
The neoliberal gospel does not allow mercy for the loser. Winning in the age of infinite competition today is important and many have only wounds, 'han' and sorrow.
Education was the means of climbing the ladder to success and recognition and this has not delivered as expected. Like himself many have their doctorates and return with a great feeling of inferiority for that is not enough, they need to be written up in international journals, have dissertations published and more people to impress. He laments that we don't have many who are satisfied with God's recognition.
Health, success, and riches of the worldly gospel are both necessary and good for life, but these are only means and not the purpose of life. True blessings are in restoring the perfect relationship with God and freely sharing everything that comes from Him. The greatest beatitude within the community of the Church is bliss that comes from experiencing the Kingdom of God! The kingdom of God is not a place where I live alone comfortably, but a world where justice and peace flow like a river. A world where the lion and the lamb can play together is not an unrealistic utopia, but a truly holy and blessed place where every human being is acknowledged for their dignity in their everyday life and the common good is realized and the true master of the world is revealed to be God.
Rather than filling our bodies with 'han' let's ask for the grace to take away the thirst that God desires to accomplish through us in the world. God after creation looked upon it all and said it was good. This original blessing is what we seek. In 2019, the new year is called the year of the pig, but the truly rich are those who give and share much. What a blessing to possess the "heart of God" and share it freely with others.
(Teresa of Saint Avila)
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
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