And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
C onsumers like pastels of pleasantly blended colors with only some shading, They'd like to suppose that everyone from the least to the greatest and best to the worst are saved in the final outcome, regardless of their personal choices and stated preferences. "If the wicked have not yet chosen goodness they will someday, and a Good God will wait for them forever. He has to because.... Well, he is so good!"
The Bible presents a more realistic chiaroscuro of light and darkness. We cannot delete the names of wicked men and women from its sacred pages; and their ineradicable presence remains rooted in our history books. And because winners write history while losers remember it, the latter can name the worst of them.
Neither the Bible nor the Church teaches universal salvation. Although it is offered to everyone, some people prefer darkness to light because their works are evil.
The liturgical cycles and daily prayers of the Church remind us that every human being lives on the razor's edge of judgment. Every decision has consequences, and if some are no more than ripples of a fallen leaf on the calm waters of a vast lake, others change lives and alter history. They may be as devastating as a nuclear war, or as blessed as the Lord's Resurrection.
Saint John reminds us of finality, "...this is the verdict." Warranties expire, guarantees fail, and even consumers must recognize what came of their choices. We may regret the foolish choices of certain loved ones -- our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters -- but we must respect their integrity. No one but God has dominion over another's freedom. As the Lord said to the wretched Dives, "They have Moses and the prophets.... They make their choices.
But they know us. The prophetic Church remains in the world and among them to testify to the truth.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.