Monday, November 07, 2011
Today was the first time I joined the bible study group. Got really disappointed and ruffled. Sorry, couldn't find a better word for ruffled. Its 3am. Today's readings were:
Today was the first time I joined the bible study group. Got really disappointed and ruffled. Sorry, couldn't find a better word for ruffled. Its 3am. Today's readings were:
1st reading> About wisdom and how she comes to those who seek her
2nd reading> Paul writing to the Thessalonians about how those who have fallen asleep and those still alive will be with Christ in his second coming
Gospel> Matthew wrote about the parable of the 5 wise virgins and 5 foolish virgins, and they were all waiting for the bridegroom. Only the wise ones had enough oil, and the foolish ones went off to buy more but were not permitted entry when they got back.
At first, we were all invited to find the connection and link between the 3 readings. After a few rounds of discussion, my own interpretation and conclusion was this: the parable in the gospel talks about how we should all strive to be like the wise virgins. And this is supported by the first reading on wisdom. The rejection of the 5 foolish virgins were then justified. In the 2nd reading however, Paul talks about how those who have fallen asleep will wake and be with Christ, and those still alive will take their place after. This more than hints at God's infinite mercy and love. While the gospel stresses justice, the 2nd reading written after Jesus's death and resurrection stresses mercy.
I was disappointed because the group and the priest's conclusion was based more on justice. They drew references from experiences with their students. There will come a point in time when enough is enough, and punishment must be meted out. I am not against punishment. But if we view God's message from the perspective of the Father, and not as children who are the supposed receivers of the message, then the crux of the message is lost.
Let me then ask: if anyone had a choice between wisdom and foolishness, who would choose the latter? Even though the 1st reading says those who seek wisdom will find her, it really is a gift and one of god's graces isn't it? The truth is, all the while, I kept thinking about my mom. Though physical disabilities are visible, I worry more about her spiritual disabilities. In fact, I consider it one of my life's purposes, to be able to pass God to her, to teach her what I know, what I have learnt, all that is good and true. So that she doesn't have to live in fear or loneliness, but to glorify god with her life. And while she isn't there yet, I needed to hear that although there is justice, there is even more mercy. Maybe its silly, but I fear everyday that I don't have enough time, that perhaps even mercy is not enough.
And here God speaks: if you mere human is able to forgive and love, how can I not? I will be merciful and love tenfold more, a hundredfold more... (it is God who speaks, because von never uses the words 'tenfold' and 'hundredfold')
We are called to be like the 5 wise virgins, to do what is right by loving God. But that love is possible only because we believe and know He first loved us. I am not a saint (yet), and who I am today is only because of His love for me. Same goes for each and everyone of us. And it is a shame the world doesn't hear enough of His love. I might well fall into the category of the foolish virgins, but happy am I because Christ's death and resurrection has saved and will save even the most hopeless cases.
von.
2 Comments:
virgins? dom
By 
,
November 07, 2011 6:34 PM
yeah. catholics got 10, muslims got 40. hahah. sorry, couldnt resist :/
von.
By ,
November 07, 2011 8:57 PM