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December 30 “There is a door but no way. What we call the way leads to destruction.” The words above were penned by Franz Kafka, the brilliant existentialist writer, at the turn of the 20th century. Kafka called Prague home though it is obvious from his writings that he was never truly at home anywhere. In some ways, I guess it’s not surprising. Kafka was an ethnic Jew, who spoke and wrote in German while living in Prague. Whew, talk about culture-confusion! Kafka was a troubled, lonely man, often questioning his identity and worth. In some ways, I wonder if my life wouldn’t have ended like his, had it not been for Jesus Christ. In fact, someone has said that Kafka serves as the representative man of our times — busy, lonely, and looking for meaning. Two of Kafka’s works, The Trial and Metamorphis have taken on new meaning since living in Prague. In The Trial Kafka is accused of wrong-doing and brought to court, though ironically he doesn’t know why. He has to wait in untold lines, can’t ever seem to get a straight answer from anyone as to why he’s guilty, and through it all he feels guilty and alone. Perhaps more than most books, this portrays life under communism. But even more I now see how this is an analogy of life under sin, a life without Jesus Christ. I suppose it doesn’t matter where one lives; if Christ is not present, life is tedious waiting, suspicion, and guilt. And then there is that strange novel about Gregor Samsa, a young man who wakes up one day to realize he has morphed into a cockroach. Like a cockroach in one’s house, he is despised and hunted. This myth also speaks to a truth that many people feel even today — that life is meaningless, changing, and dangerous. How sad that countless Czechs (and Americans for that matter) feel life is not worth living. While some people obviously think Kafka was a wacko, others can easily relate. I’m just thankful that Christ offers another — a better — way. I’m so glad he has come and offered that way to me. I am not alone, forever accused by some voice that I am guilty. The story of Revelation has made clear what that voice is and how it can be overcome. Indeed, greater is the one who is in me (Jesus) than in the world (Red Dragon). Kafka didn’t know that; I’m just glad I do! |
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