But you have been told or have read in some ancient books that long ago, your ancestors lived in a very different, well-lighted place. You have heard that there is indeed a light at the end of this tunnel, that you don't necessarily have to spend your entire life in darkness.

However, you are skeptical after all, this darkness is the only life you know. After so many generations have lived in this tunnel, can you really believe some old tale about the possibility of a life on the outside? And besides, you have learned to cope here, to make yourself comfortable in the darkness, so why would you want to risk changing things?

And yet, something inside tells you that the darkness is just not right for your life. No matter how accustomed you have become to it, you still feel restless and insecure. You realize that although the darkness may be a part of life, it is not life itself.

As we stumble along and feel our way through life, we have all wondered whether we will ever find true happiness. Will we ever find peace within ourselves and lead a truly meaningful life, or are we destined to a life fraught with fear and confusion? Will virtue and kindness really prevail? If not, how can we justify to our children and ourselves the need to adhere to moral and ethical principles?

Redemption is G-d telling us that the reason for which He created the universe will indeed be realized - that goodness will prevail and that our lives can be meaningful

The answer to all these questions is just one word: redemption. Redemption is the light at the end of the tunnel. Redemption is G-d telling us that the reason for which He created the universe will indeed be realized - that goodness will prevail and that our lives can be meaningful. Redemption is both an integral part of G-d's plan and an integral part of human life. Without redemption, our lives would indeed be meaningless - a never-ending tunnel of darkness, with little awareness of an alternative existence and no hope of ever reaching the light.

HOW WILL REDEMPTION COME ABOUT?

Will redemption radically alter our lives? Yes and no. The physical world around us will not change; rather, we will change.

Maimonides states explicitly that no miracle must occur; redemption will not be an apocalyptic or supernatural event. The era of redemption (or "the Messianic Age"), says Maimonides, will be a time when we are all absorbed in "knowing G-d."'

This means, in part, that people will perceive G-d in all their experiences. Whether a doctor or a businessperson or a parent, we will all see our material pursuits through the filter of spirituality not as an end in themselves, but as a means to a higher end. Just as a hungry person naturally craves food, we will naturally crave goodness; we will intuit what is right and wrong and act accordingly. No longer will there be a dichotomy between our hearts and minds, our bodies and souls, our internal and external feelings. We will all come to recognize that every detail of this universe is the work of G-d.

The final redemption will come about in a manner similar to the redemption and Exodus from Egypt. Just as Moses was sent by G-d to lead the liberation from Egypt, a Messiah-"Moshiach"-will lead the entire world into the final redemption.

Why the need for a leader? Because even though we each have a divine spark within us, the darkness of the material world is overpowering. G-d sends us a selfless leader, therefore, who can rise above the material distractions, who is sensitive to the needs of a generation, and who has the ability to communicate the message of G-dliness to our complicated, confused society. And who, through his actions and teaching, inspires us to study G-d's wisdom and live according to His laws. All the nations of the world will be motivated to serve G-d together, to fulfill their obligations by following the moral and divine commandments as set down in the Bible.

After thousands of years of living in the tunnel and traveling through its darkness, we now stand on the threshold of the era of redemption. Revolutionary changes are taking place on all fronts-on a personal level and on a global scale, in technology, in politics, and in the human spirit.

The values of freedom, tolerance, and generosity are spreading throughout the community of nations. Family has become important again, as people seek to build meaningful relationships that go beyond their careers or material desires. Throughout America and the world, people are genuinely searching for spiritual meaning, to find the very essence of their being. There is a greater commitment to inner change and personal growth; instead of blaming others, people are beginning to realize that they must take responsibility for their own lives, and are endeavoring to do so.

So the world may be ready for redemption, but how do we prepare for it? By opening our eyes and understanding the unique time in which we live.

By acknowledging that the events that unfold each day are part of the process leading toward the meaningful life of redemption. By learning about G-d and spirituality so that we may live according to His will.

This isn't always easy. As we wrestle with an uneasy past and an unfamiliar future, it may seem more comforting to cling to the lives we know. But the thirst for redemption is coupled with another trait that all humans share: hope. Hope for health and prosperity. Hope for justice and virtue. Hope for freedom from the darkness.

Remember that the first step in escaping the darkness is acknowledging that it is darkness

If one person can resolve to make these changes, then ten can. And if ten can, so can one hundred, and on and on. After all, we are intrinsically good; we naturally want to lead better, more productive, more meaningful lives. Commit yourself today and exhort others to do the same.

After traveling for so long in the dark and winding tunnel life, we are now approaching its end, and we are beginning to feel and see the warm, bright light shining in. Now, then, is not time to hesitate; it is not the time to be skeptical or selfish. Even the smallest things-a kind word, a dollar to charity, a few minutes of prayer-are immeasurably significant. We must do anything we can to direct even one ray of light into the darkness. Our journey is about to end; we are set to reach our destination, our rendezvous with G-d. The next move is yours.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the author of the best-selling book Toward a Meaningful Life, a William Morrow book that has sold over 150,000 copies to date and has been translated into Hebrew, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian and Russian. He has been interviewed extensively by major print media around the country, including CNN with Larry King, and the Charlie Rose Show. He has traveled and lectured in 150 cities in the United States and abroad and has been interviewed on over 300 radio and TV shows, including a feature story on the CBS News Show, "The Best of Us." Visit Rabbi Jacobson's website at www.meaningfullife.com

Republished with permission from www.moshiach.com