Sunday, February 08, 2009

Mystery and Hope

Deep in conversation with a dear friend, pondering unanswered theological questions, this statement of Jesus' came to mind:
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mat 24:36)

Although the exact theological understanding of this verse is, I suspect, quite complex (anything to do with the theology of the trinity seems to beg some degree of complexity), it did get me thinking. Perhaps not knowing some things is a good thing, even a gift. As Paul writes,
"But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?" (Romans 8:24)

If God had revealed all to us, would we really be able to hope? All creation, even the angels, longs and hopes. I think this also applies to other mysteries of our faith. As rational beings, we tend to want all the answers, and I do believe that some day the rational part of us will be satisfied. However, isn't there also something delightful about mystery? Doesn't it often make God more glorious, while at the same time serving as a check to our pride? Perhaps, after all, the mysteries, which allow us to wonder and hope, are something of which we can be glad. They give us freedom to question; They allow us to hope.

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