Readings: Wisdom 7:22-8:1, Ps. 119:89-91,130,135,175, Luke 17:20-25
“Behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:21)
Today’s first reading perfectly captures the essence of spiritual wisdom in contrast to worldly wisdom. As the Book of Wisdom states, being wise means remaining unpolluted by immoral thoughts and sensual desires. Very often, we come across Christians who tell lies, cheat others, steal or get involved in various kinds of shady deals clearly against their conscience and against God’s commandments, yet they claim to be wise.
Any “wisdom” that fails to take God into account is foolishness. When we deliberately go against God’s commandments, thinking we are smart, we act unwisely. St. Paul says, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:21-22).
For instance, telling lies — systematically withholding the truth to mislead others — is not being wise. Some may describe it as being street-smart (worldly wisdom), but the truth remains that sin can never be justified as wisdom. “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20). At this point, one may ask, “What exactly is wisdom?”
The book of Wisdom answers: “For in wisdom there is a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and penetrating through all spirits… therefore, nothing defiled gains entrance into her…. Compared with the light, she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night, but against wisdom, evil does not prevail.”
To be wise is to possess the above qualities: unpolluted, loving the good, humane, steadfast – you are not “black and white”, your word is your bond. Wisdom is even considered to be superior to the sunlight since it can never be overtaken by darkness. A wise person never conceives or partakes in evil. When your heart is pure, God dwells within it, transforming it into another heaven. And with God within us, there is no reason to fear. This is the message Jesus conveys in today’s Gospel when the Pharisees inquire about the coming of the kingdom of God.
The wise person is not worried about when the world will end because they are ready at any time to give an account of their life to God. Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” In other words, the best time to prepare for God’s kingdom is now. It is here already. There is no point in procrastinating goodness. Be the best version of yourself today. Practice wisdom; do not be carried away by the foolishness of those who practice worldly wisdom.
The kingdom of God is allowing God to reign in my life; it is loving my neighbours as myself, helping the poor and needy and treating people as I expect to be treated. Remember that song: “The time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the way to be happy is to make someone happy, and we’ll have a little heaven down here.”
Let us pray: Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 32 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Wisdom 7:22-8:1, Ps. 119:89-91,130,135,175, Luke 17:20-25)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu