Memorial
of Saint Pius X, pope
(Judges
11:29-39a; Matthew 22:1-14)
Two questions
may arise in people’s mind after hearing today’s readings. First, how could God require Jephthah to
sacrifice his own child (or anyone’s child for that matter)? Second, what if the guest at the wedding
feast was too poor to own a wedding garment?
It doesn’t seem right that he be bound and thrown into the darkness.
In regard
to the first question, Jephthah was foolish in making such a vow. It would be only right for him to admit his
fault, sacrifice an animal (as Abraham did after being relieved of the command
to kill his son) , and allow his daughter to carry on with life. The gospel parable is to teach the disciples
about the kingdom of God. It should be
taken as an allegory, not an historical event.
The man without a wedding garment represents those who are not
baptized. They lack the baptismal dress
that the newly baptized were given. According
to Matthew, Jesus is implying that Baptism is necessary for entrance into the Kingdom
of God.
Reading Scripture
can raise questions. It was meant to
inform and inspire, but it can also cause doubt. There is, however, no need to remain in doubt
for long. We can meditate over the
problems and read commentaries or ask experts to clarify the meaning. Often the
troubling passages yield deep insights into God’s ways among men and women.
