This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
In the first reading, we see an interesting depiction of something we in the western world rarely encounter today: A person who has never heard of Jesus Christ, or of Christianity, with its key tenets of sacrificial redemption and selfless love.
The key figure in the reading, the Roman procurator Porcius Festus, though He had never been introduced to the grace of the one true God, seems to have been a reasonable enough chap. He thinks through St. Paul’s case logically, and even with a certain appropriate respect. He is not a demon drooling blood or spitting fire. He’s an ordinary guy in a position of government.
This brings to mind a quote from St. Thomas Aquinas that bears repeating in its entirety:
“The good that is proportionate to the common state of nature is to be found in the majority; and is wanting in the minority. The good that exceeds the common state of nature is to be found in the minority, and is wanting in the majority. Thus it is clear that the majority of men have a sufficient knowledge for the guidance of life; and those who have not this knowledge are said to be half-witted or foolish; but they who attain to a profound knowledge of things intelligible are a very small minority in respect to the rest. Since their eternal happiness, consisting in the vision of God, exceeds the common state of nature, and especially in so far as this is deprived of grace through the corruption of original sin, those who are saved are in the minority. In this especially, however, appears the mercy of God, that He has chosen some for that salvation, from which very many in accordance with the common course and tendency of nature fall short.” (Summa Theologia, I. 23. Art 7. Ad 3)
As Thomas effectively states, being a reasonable chap–enough to get along with others and make one’s way through life–is the normal state of affairs. That said, he articulates something that we may often forget: That eternal salvation is a miracle that lies high above the capacity of human nature, and despite Jesus’ infinite merits and readiness to give it, it is difficult to attain.
It is well to remember then, by an inevitable conclusion of this passage from St. Thomas (as well as numerous passages of the Gospel, e.g. Mt. 7:13-14), not all “reasonable chaps” attain salvation. It is a central part of our Christian duty to pray, sacrifice, and work that more come to know and embrace Jesus Christ.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: It is our principle task as Christians in this life to introduce others to Christ through our words, our prayers, and our sacrifices offered for them. Ask Jesus to give you a Heart like His, which yearns for the eternal welfare of each person. Ask Him to give you and show you the effective means by which you are called to aid Him in the work of salvation.
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