We and the Big Bang

18^th Sunday in the Ordinary Time

August 3, 2014

Matthew 14:13-21

“He withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself (Mat 14:13).”

Familiar with the Big Bang? This is a widely popular theory in the origin of the universe. It holds that our universe began with a super-massive expansion of unimaginably tiny singularity. Up to now, our world keeps restlessly expanding itself, and creating countless stars in the process. What makes this theory very interesting is that it does not only speak of the inanimate cosmos, but also somehow reflects the human race. We started with a simple homo sapiens yet we keep restlessly improving ourselves, creating numberless innovations in the process.

Yet, this is not really an all-happy story. Some scientists predict that our universe will not survive for eternity. It will run out of gas and soon die. Like this universe, we too get tired and lose ourselves in the advancement we have molded. Who among us become the slaves of our gadgets, always craving for the latest models? How among us turn to be panic when the signal is missing?  Who are not paralyzed when the blackout occurs? More than ever, we become overworked precisely because the speed and luxury we enjoy in our offices. We are restless just like our cosmos.

However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a hint to counter this perennial problem. After the death of His cousin, John the Baptist, Jesus went to secluded place and to be alone in prayer. Matthew contrasted Jesus with the people who restlessly seek Jesus. While the people were driven by the endless desire to be cured, exorcised or simply amused, Jesus took His break, made His rest and was immersed in prayer. Jesus became a sign of contradiction against the vicious cycle of progress and restlessness.

Yet, this is not the first time God reminded us of the value of rest and silence. Going back to the Book of Genesis, after God created the world within 6 days, He rested in the seventh. All-powerful God had no need of vacation, but He rested so that we, human, may follow also His lead. The Jews observe strictly the Sabbath pause. Then, Jesus reminded us the true purpose of Sabbath is for our sake, that we may have our share in stillness. Finally, after His passion and death, Jesus ‘rested’ for a while in death.

Time and again, God taps our shoulders and reminds us to take our rest and prayer in solitude because it is who we are. Yes, we are fashioned as laborers, yet not as a tireless machine. From time to time, we stop so that we have moment to breathe, to reflect on our lives, and to enjoy the best things in life (health, family, friends, etc). It is true that we are part of the universe, but not slaves of it. We take rest because we want to become human once again.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP