HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO KEEP US IN SUSPENSE?

 

Last year, the Scorsese movie Shutter Island, starring Leonardo di Caprio, was finally shown. It was a thriller, albeit a little abstruse, for those who were not too familiar with psychopathological issues. A little long, the movie kept people in their seats (unless they got bored and gave up midway through). I remember asking myself, “How long is this movie going to keep us in suspense?”

The Jews in today’s Gospel had a similar question. They could not wait. They could not understand why the Lord did not tell them who He really was, point blank. They were seeing wonders, but they were not hearing it from Him about His true identity as the much-awaited Messiah. And so they complained.

But there are seekers and there are seekers. There are those who pay lip service to being in search, but who never really want to know the truth. And there are those who seek and find, for they are already open to the truth that stares them in the face. “I have told you, but you would not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.”

Sometime through the film, those who patiently followed the story, saw the handwritings on the wall. The actions of Edward Daniels (di Caprio) betrayed who he was – someone being haunted by his own demons of unaccepted reality.

We need to see more such handwritings on the wall. We need to see the works that God, in Christ, does. The poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, complains about people  who, despite the fact that the world is filled with the glory of God and “every bush aflame with His love,” see nothing. She ruefully writes, “Only he who sees takes off his shoes and worships. The rest sit around and pluck blackberries.”

How long is God going to keep us in suspense? It all depends on who is searching and looking. Ignatius of Loyola had a one-word advice for us who are in search: “Mira!” Look! And he who seeks, finds… for “the world is charged with the glory of God.” Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Do I still search for God’s presence and action in my life?

 

Lord, grant me eyes that see and hearts that feel Your love for me.

 

St. Cathan, pray for us.