Choices and Destiny

By: Penny Seay

I have recently started reading Paulo Coelho’s blog where I read an interview with the Financial Times, the London global newspaper. In it, journalist AN Wilson says of Coelho’s second book, The Alchemist, that “the essence of its appeal is the central idea, repeated over and over again in Coelho’s other books, that anyone can change their life. This is a fundamentally false idea. Most people are trapped by circumstance.” The interview is conducted over lunch, and it is not until the end of their meal that Wilson tells Coelho his theory that he thinks the secret to his success is this “idea that we can all change our own destinies” and how false he finds that notion. “Imagine being a factory work aged 40 with children. You can’t just escape, or change your life” (ibid).

Is this a false idea? Can we change our destinies? In this political campaign, we are inundated with commentary on what will happen to America if this (fill in the blank) candidate is elected. And for many weeks of this campaign, the commentary has become increasingly hateful, vitriolic, and personal, especially from the presumptive Republican candidate, Donald Trump. Campaigning at this point has almost nothing to do with the issues, but continues to be filled with name-calling and attempts to discredit all other candidates.

In a week of politics when Trump is rejected by House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Senator Lindsey Graham says, “I think embracing Donald Trump is embracing demographic death,” Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, tweeted “Happy ! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics!”

What exactly is happening with this election?  Is Donald Trump really true to his beliefs, trying to make this country and the world a better place? Or is he trying to get elected, no matter what it takes? There’s no discussion. There’s no arguing because there is little of substance to argue for or against.

In the Gospel of Mark, we read of the story of the last days of Jesus in Jerusalem, of the healings he performed and his command that his works not be disclosed to anyone (known as the Messianic Secret). We also read of his own prediction of the Passion, the betrayals, the trial, crucifixion, burial, as well as of the discovery of the empty tomb. In these last days in particular, Jesus was often rebuked; he was flogged, spat upon, and derided (Mk 15:10-32). There was no discussion of issues; there was only fear, hatred, and the discrediting of a man who was called by many the Son of God.

Change our destiny? Coelho says, “You do have a choice. Follow your path. So, you work in this factory, you have to adapt yourself like Scarlett O’Hara. She changes curtains into a beautiful dress. Then you will have done your best. Then you become the king of your own kingdom.”

Jesus followed the path before him, preaching the good news, doing his best. I feel great hope this week, as London elects its first Muslim mayor after a campaign filled with issues of religion and ethnicity. And I believe we can change our destiny.