Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end. This simple yet insightful quote is attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca who was forced to bring his own life to an end by Emperor Nero after being found guilty (though very likely innocent) of plotting against the life of the emperor. In modern times, many may recognize it as a line on the 1990s song Closing Time by the band Semisonic.
Soon the year will come to an end, graciously allowing a new year filled with new hopes and dreams to begin. Good things too must come to an end. So often we want to hold on to the past or present when it has been good, yet existence pushes us forward without any alternative. For 18 years of my life I eagerly waited for the new millennium, and now 18 years have passed in the new millennium. After such a long wait, time has passed quickly and now I often feel as though I live in the distant future. Holding on to the past can become stifling, and it is possible to miss worthwhile opportunities or changes. Our reluctance to recognize that things do come to an end, such as a relationship, a life, a vacation, a hobby, a job, a house, prevents us from moving forward while enjoying what God does in the present moment.
When something new emerges from what was, it does not simply replace it, but it emerges because of what came before it. Starting college simply does not replace high school, it follows because of what came before it. When a loved one dies, we do not forget about him or her, but rather we move on in life differently because that relationship existed and it continues to mold and affect us. When a period of life when everything seems to go well ends and one filled with struggles emerges, we are able to face the challenges because of the lessons learned and confidence gained during the good times. Things come to a close, and new things emerge, yet the skills we learn continue, and God continues to be present through it all.
When something good ends, we may be tempted to think nothing as good will ever come our way. Life is an adventure, and we must be willing to live it fearlessly. Sure, things change, but if we resist ends and new beginnings, we will grow complacent, stuffy and irrelevant. The man sitting on the throne in the Book of Revelation says, “Behold, I am making all things new!” Jesus Christ is constantly making all things new, bringing about renewal and conversion. Our relationship with Him and our spiritual life is a constant end to sin and a new beginning in the life of grace; a cycle of conversion that continues as long as we live. Countless souls have found a new beginning in Christ, and have remained grateful for the end which led to new life.
It is good that every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end. These words by the respected philosopher Seneca could have been echoed by Christ hanging on the cross and also emerging from the empty tomb. An end always brings a new beginning, and an end is needed for a new, brighter beginning to start, it is part of the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
Picture is mine, all rights reserved. Orvieto, 2016.
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