A story from the East says that two old men were at the entrance of a city when a traveler arrived. The traveler asked him: “what are the people like here?” One of the old men replied: “what are the people like where you live?” “Well,” the traveler answered, “in my city people are egoistic and complain a lot; they are dishonest and problematic. I am looking for another place to live.” “Well,” the old man said, “you will find the same people here.”
Later another traveler arrived and asked the same question: “what are the people like here?” and the old man replied: “what are the people like where you live?” “Oh!” the traveler answered “they are fantastic, they are friendly and honest, they are helpful and easy-going people.” “Well,” the old man said “you will find the same people here.”
When the traveler left, the other old man said: “you gave two different answers to the same question!” “Oh no” the old man said, “I gave the same answer to both people.” “Yes, you said the same words, but both answers had a different meaning.” “Oh no” the old man said again “let me explain: each one brings in his heart the environment where he lives; it does not depend on others. If you are a person who is egoistic, problematic, like to complain, etc. people who live around you will also be egoistic, problematic and complaining. If you are a helpful, friendly and easy-going person, people who live with you will also be helpful, friendly and easy-going. You see,” he finally said “I gave the same answer to both people: it depends on you.”
I think this story can help us to change the way we analyze our lives. We usually think that problems and difficulties come from outside when in reality it is not that way. Of course, I am not denying the fact that there are problematic people; I am not denying that many times we find difficulties in our lives, and I am not denying that selfishness is the motor of this world. What I am saying is that the main source of our problems, difficulties, etc. is our hearts rather than the behavior of others. For example, if we are selfish, every time that someone does not do what my selfish desires want, we will say “that is a selfish person who does not care about me” or something like that. Thus, I would be creating or feeding the egoistic environment where I live.
To avoid this tendency, the Gospel is very helpful. If you pay attention, Jesus’ advice is against this tendency. We can summarize this advice in these words: seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33) so, seek God first, and I would dare to add “and only God.” That is why holiness simplifies our lives. Life is simple for those who seek God first and seek only Him. Life is complicated for those who seek God but also follow their own desires, passions and whims.
