Jewish tradition certainly understands that feeling. And it can be pretty direct about it, too.
Take this passage from The Midrash of Philo. Now, Philo of Alexandria, he was a fascinating figure – a Jewish philosopher living in Egypt during the Roman era. He tried to bridge the gap between Greek philosophy and Jewish thought, and his writings are filled with incredible insights.
Here, he tackles a simple yet profound question, one posed by an angel. It seems straightforward on the surface, but according to Philo, it carries a sharp rebuke. The question? "Whence comest thou? Whither goest thou?" In other words, "Where are you coming from, and where are you going?"
Seems simple, right? But the angel isn’t just curious. He’s laying down some serious truth. Philo suggests the angel's words are like medicine, healing a sick soul. Ouch!
The angel is basically saying, "Don't you realize what you've given up? Are you completely blind and crippled? You can't see, you can't feel, and you clearly lack all understanding, as if you are completely without sense!" Harsh words, indeed.
"From what excellence to what misery are you running?” the angel continues. "Why would you abandon the blessings you already possessed to chase after things that are further away and less certain?"
It’s a powerful image, isn't it? We've all been there, haven't we? That moment when you realize you might be making a mistake, straying from a path that once felt clear. The angel's message is a wake-up call.
The angel pleads, "Don't do it! Stop this insane rush and go back! Return to the path you were on, with wisdom as your guide – the wisdom that once governed your actions."
It’s a call to remember our roots, to reconnect with the wisdom that guided us before we got lost in the noise. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest treasures are not those we chase, but those we've already been given.
So, the next time you find yourself wandering, maybe ask yourself the angel's question: "Whence comest thou? Whither goest thou?" Where are you coming from? And more importantly, where are you really going?