Hidden Truth

There is a logion in the Gospel of Thomas about an invitation to a Feast where all the invited guest refuse the invitation because they are “simply too busy” (Logion 64). It is a very poignant and contemporary story, much like our own world. What lies all around us is simply too compelling to be ignored. We are riveted here. Any other “reality” seems implausible to us. And so the story ends with others invited who will come, and the acquaintances absent from the Feast. The hidden truth behind these words are this: this world is some sort of “shadow play,” a make-believe realm thought up by us to keep us busy and occupied. Here are some important teachings about this hidden truth:

O one who has gotten lost in yourself,
you’re not aware that your life has become a grave.
In fact, you are buried in the grave of yourself.
Finding the One who gave you life
is the best nourishment for you.
Yet you are running around from one store to another
for the food that can only be measured in cups.

The mountain of your fantasies
amounts to no more than a few crumbs of bread.
All your comings and goings
is no more than an excuse.
For a lifetime you’ve listened to the story of My heart,
but to you it was just a fairy tale.

In this world you’ve become rich and clothed,
but when you come out of this world how will you be?
Learn a trade that will earn you forgiveness.
In the world beyond there is also traffic and trade.
Besides those earnings this world is just play.
As children embrace in fantasy
or set up a candy shop, this world is a game.
Night falls,
and the child comes home hungry with his friends.