Come with me to a small town that had been "dry" for years—i.e., 'without any bars or pubs or alcohol consumption.' Eventually, some of the businesspeople decided to build a bar in that town. The local Christian group was alarmed and concerned at this latest development. They decided to have an all-night prayer to ask God to intervene. Work on the construction of the bar progressed until the week before opening, when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground!
Enraged, the bar owners filed a lawsuit against the prayer group. They claimed that the group's prayers were responsible for destroying their bar! They argued that the people in the Church were ultimately accountable for the ruin of the building—either through direct or indirect actions or means.
However, the prayer group members appointed a lawyer to defend themselves. In their reply to the court, they vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's devastation.
After the initial examination of the case, the judge stated, "I do not know how I am going to decide. But no matter how this case ends, one thing is clear: We have some bar owners who believe in the power of prayer but an entire praying congregation that does not!"
Knowledge vs. Humility
The Gospel of the Day presents an incident where this contrast is brought forth. Two groups of people - the Pharisees on one side and the simple and ordinary crowds on the other. The Pharisees - knowledgeable and intellectual, looked to find loopholes in the ministry of Jesus and trap Him, said: "He casts out demons by the prince of demons" (Mt 9: 34). The crowds - simple and ordinary - who were attracted to Jesus "marveled and said: 'Never was anything like this seen in Israel'" (Mt 9:33b).
There were two reactions to this incident: One was of marvel; the other was contempt! Two groups observed and experienced the same incident but generated contrasting reactions and divergent responses! One of them marveled; the other mocked! One had found a reason to praise God; the other found a reason to deride Jesus!
Is this not the case often, even in our lives? People who regularly go to Church seem to believe less in the power and providence of God, while people who stay away from pious devotions often acknowledge the influence of the Divine!
Examination of Faith
What does this mean? It does not mean that we should avoid our pious actions, devotions, and activities of faith or that people who don't display faith have more reasons to live a good life. But these are reminders and alarms from the Lord to examine our lives and activities of faith! Check whether my prayer life is translated to a living trust in God!
Which group of people are we in, those who know theoretically much about the power of God and scriptures but fail to recognize and acknowledge His power? Or simple and ordinary in our faith and belief — seeking to know more about God and scripture — but above all, recognizing, acknowledging, and thanking the Power of God in our life?
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