When an idiot is better than a genius

THE comparison may sound crazy, but it is helpful to

highlight a basic truth of our faith. And that is, irrespective of

whatever human condition we may be in, we should not forget that we

have to be with God. Our life is supposed to be in communion with God

always. We have to do our part to make that ideal real in our life.

            Thus, to dramatize this point more vividly, we can say

that we should rather have the IQ of an idiot but with God than that

of a genius but without or, worse, against God. It does not really

matter how our condition is in our life here on earth. What really

matters is that we believe and love God and make use of whatever

condition we have to show that belief and love for God.

            We should therefore try our best that with his grace we

slowly and steadily become more and more like God in Christ through

the Holy Spirit, since God wants us to be his image and likeness,

children of his, meant to participate in his very own life.

            In concrete terms, we should see to it that the very

substance of our consciousness is not only of ourselves, but also and

most especially of God, and that whatever we think, desire, say and do

is done not only by ourselves but also with and for God.

            That might sound too much for us to believe, let alone, to

carry out. We, with all our weaknesses, mistakes and sins, will always

feel unworthy to share in God’s nature and life. We might be tempted

to say, “Tell it to the Marines!”

            But that is what our Christian faith consistently teaches

us, supported by the fact that despite all our sinfulness, God

continues to love us and to forgive us through the sacrifice of

Christ, the son of God who became man to save us. Besides God through

Christ in the Spirit has given us all the means so we can be as we

should be.

            This point is underscored in that parable about the two

sons who were asked by their father to work in the vineyard. (cfr. Mt

21,28-32) The first son at first said no to the request, but later on

obeyed his father. The second said yes at first, but then did not

actually comply with what he said.

            Of course, between the two, it was the first son who

actually loved his father by doing what was requested despite his

initial refusal, while the second was just good in words and

intentions but not in action, and therefore did not truly love his

father.

            The parable concluded with Christ saying: “Truly I tell

you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom

of God ahead of you (referring to the self-righteous leading Jews at

that time). For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness,

and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the

prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and

believe him.” (Mt 21,31-32)

            Again, this point is underscored in that correction Christ

made on his apostles who were arguing about who among them was the

greatest.  Christ told them, “Unless you change and become like little

children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore,

whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the

kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18,3-4)

            Compared to the powers and accomplishments of the mature

apostles, the child is nothing. But it is the child’s purity of heart

that God values more. It is that heart that shows pure belief and love

for God.

            St. Paul somehow corroborated all this when he said: “God

chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…the weak

things of the world to shame the strong…” (1 Cor 1,27)