By: Bro. Mark Rayan J. Accad, C. Ss. R. |Vice-Province of Manila
In Math, especially in adding integers, one of the basic principles is that if both signs are being added, even if it is negative, the result will be on a positive note. Pondering on the gospel scripture for today, the gospel gives us an intriguing message that can confuse us if we are not careful and keen in our reflection. It may speak about division, wrath, and any negativity, but to put some sense of it, it can also depict a message of conversion and hope. As what I've shared about the principle, it is about leading to a positive result despite a negative situation.
In the gospel, the image of fire is depicted as an element of destruction. This is also evident because it is even used in other readings. For example, Prophets use it to proclaim God's wrath, a symbol of God's judgment. Later on, it is used as a message of purification. Hence, Fire does not only mean destruction because fire can also signify life. Pondering on this reminds me of one of my favorite cartoons, "Avatar: The Last Airbender." There was a scene in that show where a firebender named Zuko lost his power to firebend. When he seeks help to firebend again, the master explains that firebending is not fueled by anger, hatred, or aggression, primarily his source of power. The master explained its original source which is the Sun itself. It is explained that the Sun is life and energy, and firebending should reflect that life and energy, not destructive energy. After that purification, he became an instrumental piece to end the war at his time.
Reminiscing my previous years in the formation, we are always introduced to the imagery that our seminary is known as a foundry. In Tagalog a "pandayan." In a foundry, the blacksmith endures all the heat as it continuously pounds a certain metal to form a sword. This process is, of course, not immediate because it takes time to build one. With this imagery, I believe I am always forged into the best version of myself, knowing that God is the blacksmith that forges me. As a sword, this continuous struggle, or form, results from something positive.
Returning to the Gospel message, purification is not just a walk in the park. This was a hard realization for me because I also had some experiences where I needed to let go of things to embrace the greater good. And this is not new to us since we've also let go of some things that were so precious to us. But still, we relied on God's love and trusted him more. To reconcile these themes, the message of hope entails a sign that God can form us as long as we are willing to do so. Another realistic thought is that we will always face this challenge. There is no end in our formation process, and as long as we breathe, we are purified under God's love and mercy. And may this also be our continuous prayer, that we will always be faithful in our vocation and to be in fidelity to the will of God.
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