THROUGH UNTRUE

Our seemingly trivial decisions can trigger unforeseen consequences, ultimately leading to either success or failure. Often, it is only in retrospect that we come to comprehend this. As the poet George Herbert wrote: “For want of a nail, the shoe is lost. For want of a shoe, the horse is lost. For want of a horse, the rider is lost. For want of a rider, the battle is lost. So, the war is lost for want of a small nail.”

One Filipino word that aptly expresses such tragedy is “sayang!” Its English equivalents — “What a waste!” “What a pity!” “Too bad!” or “Oh dear!” — hardly convey the intensity and depth of anguish, regret, and loss that “sayang!” carries. We utter this word while pondering if our life today might have been better had we decided to act differently.

Today’s Gospel parable underscores this tragedy as it recounts the story of 10 bridesmaids invited to an evening wedding banquet. As tradition dictates, they are to bring lit torches to illuminate the groom’s path upon his arrival. However, for reasons unknown, the groom’s arrival is delayed. Five of the bridesmaids carry extra flasks of oil to replenish their torches. The other five foolishly sleep as they get tired of waiting. 

When the groom eventually arrives, the flames in the torches of the five foolish bridesmaids have already flickered out. They rush to acquire more oil for their torches, but upon their return, they find the door of the banquet hall tightly shut. Their pleas for entry go unanswered. They must have sighed with downcast eyes: “Sayang!”

This parable teaches us that there are decisions we cannot afford to make at the last moment: it may be too late by then. Many people indulge in everything that satisfies their desires without any thought of God. They think they can easily repent on their deathbed. They overlook the fact that death can come suddenly, leaving them no time to turn their life around. Also, they falsely assume that they can effortlessly cast off the sins that have become second nature to them. 

The most pernicious effect of sin is that we get so accustomed to it that we no longer experience guilt or regret for our actions. As one character in a Netflix movie aptly put it: “Sometimes the devil allows people to live a sinful life free of trouble because he doesn't want them to turn to God. Their sin is like a comfortable jail cell, and they don't see any reason to leave it, even when the door is wide open. But eventually, time runs out, the door slams shut, and it's too late.”

“Sayang!” is often followed by the phrase: “If only.” How many times have we heard someone lament with a mournful sigh: “If only I had quit smoking when I had the chance, I would not have contracted cancer. If only I had not squandered my time on video games, social networking, and streaming devices, I could have finished my studies. If only I had refrained from indulging in sweets, cigarettes, and alcohol, I could have avoided undergoing dialysis three times a week. If only I had remained faithful to my spouse, our family would not have been damaged by my infidelity. If only I had rejected the bribes that were offered to me, I would not have lost my job and my integrity.”

Being wise means doing what is true and good on a daily basis. Our decisions, even the seemingly insignificant, can either make or break us. When plagued by indecision and procrastination, repeat to yourself: “I can do this. I will do this. No more excuses.”