VIA NEGATIVA

There is a saying in Filipino "Ang punong mabunga ay madalas binabato," loosely translated as “The tree that bears much fruit is often stoned at.” Those who are often hurled with various stones of criticism are those who had grown too noticeable for the good works they had been doing.

Jesus had proclaimed himself before the Pharisees and scribes as one who existed even before Abraham. He announced before them his divinity. He proved this by the wondrous deeds he did; deeds that can only be attributed to God: miracles, healing, the forgiveness of sins. Many people believed in him except some quarters of the Pharisees and scribes whose positions and situations in their society were shaken and threatened by Jesus’ coming to the world. Like in the case of the prophet Jeremiah, the enemies and critics of Jesus were on the watch for any misstep he might commit (cf. Jeremiah 20:10-13). Considering that they were always near Jesus as they often followed him, they should have been the first to believe him as eye-witnesses do. But instead of seeing the good in Jesus and in what he preached, they twisted the facts and decided to understand on the contrary. Instead of seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior, they perceived him as a blasphemer. Thus, they criticized all things he did, and words he uttered. When he was criticized and false things were hurled against him, Jesus distanced Himself from his critics but nevertheless continued to preach.

People criticize others for various reasons; some, to help others so that they may improve themselves. We call this constructive criticism. While others do criticize so that their own failures may not be noticed. They stone the tree that bears much fruit, for they themselves have no fruit of their own and would hate to see another bearing much fruit. For this type of critics, nothing will be right or good for them. Everything is worth commenting (negatively). The reasons behind criticisms would often remain hidden from us. Thus, it is pointless to chase critics and seek their reasons for doing so. What can be more beneficial to us is how we handle criticisms; what we do from the denunciations hurled upon us.

We are to listen and explain our side against criticisms, especially if we are falsely accused. We have to enlighten them about the truth. But should they continue to hinder us from bearing many fruits, we must then ignore them and simply continue doing the good works we have begun in which we have been prospering. Gather the stones they hurled upon you and use them to build your house, that is, to improve yourself. Some would throw mud or dung. Gather them to strengthen and fertilize your soil. Surely even in the negative things they say and do to us, we can learn something.