Sunday, February 16, 2020

“Wisdom Given Generously and Ungrudgingly” by Beth DeCristofaro


“Wisdom Given Generously and Ungrudgingly” by Beth DeCristofaro


But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting (1 James 1:5-6)

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation. (Mark 8:11-12)

Piety
O God, I thank you for your perpetual place at my side in times of darkness, fear, and hurt.  May wisdom clarify my life, Lord.  I ask, Jesus, that you make of me a sign of your healing and joy-filled self.

Study
How sad it was that the leaders of the temple, time and time again, had the divine presence right in front of them and did not see it, did not recognize him. Without the light of faith to guide me, how often do I, also miss God’s presence because I look for it in human terms:  power, acceptability, familiar, comfortable, social or financial standing, even belonging to the right institution?  James’ letter goes on to state that suffering, humility, and lack of worldly ties, emboldened by faith, enables one to recognize God. 

The notes on 1 James in the NAB describes wisdom as:  “a gift that God readily grants to all who ask in faith and that sustains the Christian in times of trial. It is a kind of knowledge or understanding not accessible to the unbeliever or those who doubt, which gives the recipient an understanding of the real importance of events. In this way, a Christian can deal with adversity with great calm and hope.”[i]

In a Gospel last week, a foreigner, a Syro-Phoenician woman, argued with Jesus for her daughter’s sake.  She did not argue to test him as did the Pharisees in today’s Gospel.  She was tested in the suffering of her daughter and a wellspring of faith brought her to the healer.  Her faith, her wisdom, her arguing illustrates for us the truth that God’s presence shines through even in our suffering.  Our suffering is, in sanctified by it.

Action
A Sufi mystic said, “God breaks the heart again and again until it stays open[ii].”  The Pharisees would not allow their hearts to break open, their ears to hear nor their eyes to see.  God gives us a choice. God gives us an opportunity.
Is my difficulty knowing what to do, or is my difficulty doing it?  I ask for faith, ask for wisdom and enact both.




Illustration:  St. John’s Bible, “Wisdom” https://www.scu.edu/library/asc/exhibits/schneiders/

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