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Gospel Reading, 30 August 2024 – Matthew 25: 1-13
BAHALA NA!
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
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“BAHALA NA!” is a very common expression and attitude among Filipinos. The phrase is a derivative of the word “Bathala”, referring to the ancient Supreme Being worshiped by Filipinos during the pre-Spanish Period. The proper use of this phrase should be in the context of leaving things in the hands of the Divine Being, but as it is, people use it to just throw all caution to the wind instead of do one’s best and let God do the rest. Many a regret happened because of this attitude, and we can say that this attitude has even hindered the progress of Filipino families and our nation. “Bahala na kung `di maayos ang binoto ko,”“Bahala na kung mahuli ng pulis,” “Bahala na kung mawalan ng makakain ang aking pamilya,” “Bahala na kung hindi makapasa,” and so on and so forth.
We Christians cannot have this attitude if we are set on the goal of spending eternity with God after our life on earth. We need to live a purposeful life; doing whatever we may contribute to the betterment of the human race and of the world which is our home; aware of everything happening around us and being ready to stand up for our Christian values; making full use of our time, the limits of which we know not. We have to remember too, that
the wily devil is ever finding a way to take us by surprise. He does not surprise us, we surprise him!
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” (Psalm 33:20-22)
