This thought came to my mind the other day and I started a deep introspection on myself. As a matter of fact, it actually started when I became active in the homeless ministry. God would show me where the situation in the Church is the same as the streets and incidentally, reflecting us Christians.
He went on to show me how I responded when the homeless, the addicts, the alcoholics would approach me. Much like the woman with the issue of blood, everyone treated her scornfully. When I saw the boils, the cuts, the bruises caused by needles, the dirtiness and their attire, I automatically pulled back.
This idiom means, people with the least knowledge are the most outspoken. The original thought refers to a drum, they are hollow inside but the sound is very loud and it reverberates with a booming volume. The story is told of Judas Iscariot in the gospels, how he betrayed Christ Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Spiritually Judas was empty, even though a disciple, one of the twelve, he was as an empty barrel. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal,” 1 Corinthians 13:1.
On the contrary, a barrel that is full makes no sound if banged on and is sturdy, not easily moved. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding….,” 1 Corinthians 15:58. Are you, me, an empty barrel, makes a lot of noise but are spiritually empty? Do we make a lot of noise as a Church but lack the fruit which is the evidence of our faith?
God Bless.
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