What would you give for a chance at real wisdom? And what is wisdom, anyway?
In our first reading from the Book of Wisdom this Sunday,
King Solomon prays for wisdom.
Professor David Jeffrey writes that, “In the Old Testament, wisdom (chõkma)
implies an educated discipline of mind coupled with a skillful practical
discernment (binah) in daily affairs.” It is, in a sense, the art of living
well, and hence it is a treasure above all else, more precious than power or wealth or health or even light, for wisdom’s radiance never ceases. This is some pretty powerful stuff, if we can
get our heads around it, and it served Solomon well – while he paid attention
to it, at least!
The young man portrayed in this week’s Gospel similarly
seeks wisdom. What must I do to inherit eternal life?, he asks. Now, Jesus loves this man – Mark says so!
He is a good man who desires to be closer to God. He knows and observes the commandments and
therefore, by definition, is in right relationship with God: he loves God, and he loves Other for the love
of God. But, the Letter to the Hebrews
tells us, Jesus, as the Word of God, is
able to discern reflections and thoughts
of the heart. So Jesus challenges
the young man: go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure
in heaven, he says. Why? Because only by detaching himself from
worldly things can this young man – whose attachment to wealth is profound –
open his heart in complete trust to the grace of God. Only through educated discipline and skillful
discernment can he know Jesus; only then can he conform himself more closely to
Christ.
But doesn’t this sound difficult? Are we truly capable of that kind of
wisdom? The psalmist prays, fill us with your love, o Lord, and we will
sing for joy. If God’s love comes
before all else in our lives, if we are open to it and trust, then, in love,
God will meet all of our needs, and ultimately bring us salvation. However, unlike the young man, we must open
ourselves to God’s loving wisdom, trusting that the reward will outweigh any
sacrifice we might be called to. And, like
Solomon, we must remember constantly to pray
for wisdom, for prayer is one way to practice educated discipline and skillful
discernment. Is it worth it? Yes, indeed, for wisdom is indeed a treasure that brings amazing joy.
This reflection was based on Fr. Pat's Thursday Scripture class.
Source of quotation
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