IF MISUNDERSTANDING HAPPENS
Our meditation today has the theme: If Misunderstanding Happens. There was a young man who was so attracted to a girl he has known for several months. The girl is ten years younger than him. That young man always used any opportuniy available to meet that very special girl. One day he managed to directly reveal his love to her.
The young man said: "I am in love with you. Can you accept me, given the age gap between us is 10 years. During this time I was worried to tell you about this because of this fact." The girl replied: "It's okay. I accept. The important thing is one condition has to be fulfilled." "What is that condition?" asked the young man. "The condition is, you wait until my age is the same as your age."
We will always experience many misunderstandings as long as we still exist in this world. The story above is just an example. Misunderstanding generally occurs because not everyone among us can accept one concept or understanding. If we don't try to overcome it, this will potentially become a conflict and trigger divisions among us. In today's readings, we are reminded to avoid three kinds of misunderstanding that we also experience in our own daily life.
The story about Tobit in the First Reading today reminds us on the people's misconceptions about suffering of the believers. The suffering because of Jesus should not be considered as a curse and a very shameful fate. Rather, this is actually an opportunity to achieve God's grace and blessing. The second misunderstanding is the conception about goodness and holiness are obtained only because of human efforts. God is seen not playing His role in this achievement. It should be that only with the will and the love of God, we are chosen and given such high dignity.
The Sadducees misunderstood that in future life the husband and wife with their biological relationship will continue again there their marriage. They thought that we humans will transfer our addresses when we enter into eternal life. Jesus insisted that they really misunderstood the real thing and with that they made their lives went on with wrong direction.
If there is a misunderstanding, what should we do? Let us realize that God is a place where we can find light, advice and way to return to a true understanding. Let us also remind each other so that misunderstandings are not continually fostered and have the opportunity to become great. Conflict is ready to attack us if this misunderstanding is not overcome.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, teach and strengthen us always to be on Your path and may we understand correctly Your wisdom. Glory to the Father ... In the name of the Father ...