Questions left Unanswered

Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

20 Now there were some Greeks[a] among those who had come up to worship at the feast. 21 [b]They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 [c]Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 [d]Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life[e] loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.27 “I am troubled[f] now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. 31 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world[g] will be driven out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.-John12:20-33

Life is full of mysteries and surprises. Even if science claims that it can answer anything and everything, still there are some questions that left unanswered. We know the reasons - at least partly - why Jesus must be crucified. However, there is still a mystery about it. Why a painful death? How can a death glorify God? How can a seemingly 'failure' be an act of glorification? Can we do it too in our own small way?

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

 

Mysteries are Born

Life is full of mysteries.

26 He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God;[a] it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

30 He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 [b]But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.-Mark4:26-34

Yesterday, I was reading about the finding of scientists on our planet's magnetic field. According to them, the magnetic field mystery is mystery no more! However, science for me is like a sponge. When you look at it on first glance, it seems compact and solid, meaning - full of answers. But once you look at it closer or squeeze it, you will find that it is hollow inside, meaning - there is still a vast and endless abyss of mystery and unanswered questions. Much of the world and much of life is left unanswered. I was asking myself why - in the very first place - there is a magnetic field. Why of all things in this world, a magnetic field was there at the core of the planet? Is there a more and deeper explanation to its existence? Take a look also at the seed. Why does a seed turn into a grown plant when planted? Why can't it turn bigger and bigger instead? Why did Jane chose John for a husband despite the fact that he is far from being a prince charming? In the same way, the Word of God, once planted in our lives, grows and we know not why, but all that we see are the acts of love and kindness that we do to others. Jesus continues inviting us to enter the mystery of His plan and purpose for us. We know not why we are created, but the moment we love and do good to others, we are given glimpses and answers to our existence.

Image courtesy: artist (abyss)

Somebody's calling

The Summoning.

13 He went up the mountain[a] and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him[b] and he might send them forth to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons: 16 [c][he appointed the twelve:] Simon, whom he named Peter; 17 James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.-Mark3:13-19

Calling indeed is a mystery. In the same way, our choice for a partner for life is also a mystery. Last Sunday, I met with some friends, and I was a bit surprised to see my friend's husband for the first time. I never imagined she would marry a man who looks a bit older and not exactly a "prince charming" material. But then, love is a mystery. So, too, God when He calls. During the time of Jesus, fisher-folks, a tax collector, a pacifist, an extremist, and impetuous persons are not exactly good material for religious life. But our ways are not God's ways, our thoughts are not God's thoughts. Jesus saw more than what meets the eye; He sees the heart; He sees God's predestined plan for each and everyone of us. When God calls, what will our response be?

Image courtesy: artist