THE TOWER TO THE HEAVENS

 Meditation for Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 11:1-9; Mk 8:34-9:1)

It is commonly said that language carries the thought system of a people. The common language of the people on earth means they were able to communicate freely with one another. This unity of thought and language would have been a veritable force to ‘conquer the earth, to be fruitful and multiply’ as God directed. Instead, they said to themselves, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…” Was this part of God’s mandate to man? With one language, the people of earth at that time formed uniformity among themselves, and pride ruled their hearts. In uniformity, their lives were ruled by a unilateral idea as they placed one brick upon another, positioning themselves in competition with no other than God Himself.

If they continued channeling their energies, ideas and resources in this unilateral tower of pride, how can man conquer the earth, increase and multiply over the earth? Obviously, God knew that it is by variety in unity that man can be creative, inventive, develop and conquer the earth. Thus, God created variety out the language of the people. “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.”

 

Imagine how the tower of Babel stood tall as the tower of pride, for through it man by himself tried to erect himself up to the heavens. However, it is God alone who can make such a connection possible. This is what Jesus came to do for us. And He lifted up the cross as the true tower that we can climb on to get to the heavens. The cross gathers us in humility, and unites us in our diversity. The language of the cross is understood by believers in every corner of the earth. Hence, Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

 

With the ‘tower of the cross’, we shall never be misguided; our time, energy and resources shall be properly applied so as to fulfill God’s injunctions. If we do not speak the language of the cross, we will be pursuing vainglory. Then, uniformity will replace true unity that respects individual differences, and man will be heading to self-destruction. Jesus asked, “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? Jesus the mediator, is the perfect link between heaven and earth. And He has invited us to Himself through the cross. “In hoc signo vinces” (In this sign thou shalt conquer). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday February 17^th, 2023.

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