In life, the little things around us no matter how lowly, teach us wisdom. The following allegory was texted to me, and the lesson is precise and straightforward. The second lesson I think is also important because of our nature as human beings. Proverbs 24.16 mentions that a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again. If a righteous man falls that much (7 may mean infinity in Hebrew numerology), how much more does a wicked man? But the more important in that passage is the last portion: the fallen rises again. We always fall, but we should rise every time we fall!
The fourth lesson reminds me of REM's song, Everybody Hurts; but the important thing here is that we use these sharpenings for our own good and those around us. We don't despair! Whether we know it or not, these tribulations help us become more mature and strong.
Now, the following is that short text...
"A pencil-maker told the pencils 5 important lessons:
"First, everything you do will always leave a mark; second, you can always correct the mistakes you make; third, what is important is what is inside you. Fourth, in life you will undergo painful sharpening which make you better pencils; and fifth, the most important, to be the best pencil you can be, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you."
Division
Division is universal, contrary to what Christ wished for all humanity, and it seems prevalent, perhaps very tangible here in the Philippines. But a lot of it emanates from our own sinfulness, and our tendency to sin (concupiscence). As I think further, a large part comes from sabotage, sabotage of truth, which comes in many forms. It seems some people have nothing to do in life, no identifiable job; all they do is create a poisoned environment just to attain their own selfish goals. And you know what? This is nothing new.
As I was reading the Acts of the Apostles chapter 14 (please read it for the context), I encounter also groups of characters that promote division among the community. While in Iconium, verse 2 mentioned "the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles & poisoned their minds against the brethren." Verse 4 shows the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. The best way to fight poison is not taking it! Don't just believe things. Life is very short and there's not enough time to fight each other.
Later I read The Rule of Benedict: Insights For The Ages by Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB, and I'll quote her for the conclusion to this blog: "We need to stop putting on airs and separating ourselves out and pretending to be what we are not. Fraud is an easy thing. The honesty of humility, the humility of honesty are precious and rare."
The church universal is presently celebrating the 20th World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, and may that event be fruitful and become a beacon of genuine unity in this troubled world.
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