Your word, O God, is indeed “living and effective” (Heb.4:12), very “useful for teaching” (2Tim.3:16) especially at this time our Church is in the midst of a sickening crisis not only of sexual abuse but also of intrigues and careerism among clergy and hierarchy. As we continue to pray for the Church now in crisis, may we also learn from today’s first reading of how St. Paul tactfully and spiritually tackled the problem of divisions among the early Christians of Corinth by directing their attention solely into Jesus Christ your Son who offered Himself up on the Cross for us all.
This is our folly, O God, when we focus more on people and personalities – even on our very selves – as the center and main attraction in the Church instead of your Son Jesus Christ. We refuse to recognize your immense love for us expressed in the crucified Christ who have sanctified us all and restored us all to you and to one another. So many times, we are like the five foolish virgins in today’s parable who were more concerned with their very selves than with their task of waiting for the coming of the groom.
Awaken us, O God, from our “sleep” like those five foolish virgins when we spend more time seeking you in human thoughts of wisdom or some mathematical equation unmindful of your coming. Most of all, bless Pope Francis, keep him strong and guide him in these times when many forces within are coming together against him, even using the modern means of communication to destroy him without realizing the many other souls they are misleading in their self-righteousness. Let us learn anew St. Paul‘s teaching that “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger that human strength” as revealed in Christ crucified (1Cor.1: 25). Amen. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria,Bulacan 3022.
*Photo taken in 30 Nov. 2012 by Chester Ocampo of ICS Batch ’82: Crucified Christ made of iron but hollow inside to depict kenosis or emptiness; one of the early works by the late National Artist Ed Castrillo hanging at the altar of the chapel of Immaculate Conception Seminary (ICS) in Guiguinto, Bulacan.
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