When is Wisdom not Wisdom?

Readings for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 2: 2-5
Psalm 123:1-2, 2, 3-4
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6a
USCCB Link to the Readings

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Scripture shows us that at times people do not understand what God is proposing because their idea of what is true, is not God’s idea. The prophets warned the people but often they did not listen. The prophet proclaims: “God has spoken to me!” and yet unbelief prevails. The heart is obstinate because God’s will does not please us. At times the discernment of wisdom is very clear, especially when obstinacy and hardness go against truth. There is no wisdom when the choice goes against God’s will.

However, situations in life arise when the right choice is not very clear. Discernment can only be true when both options are aligned with the divine truth. Here is an example: Pope Francis has clearly said that we all are missionary disciples because of our baptism. But how can I express this missionary spirit? What is mine to do? Some choices can be very demanding like leaving my home and going to a foreign land for a few years. Others may mean deciding to be a catechist even though my children are still young and I would have to balance this with my job. Both options are good, being a catechist or taking care of my family. Which of these choices is the wisest one for me?

Perhaps like St. Paul I honestly evaluate my weaknesses and think that I cannot accept a certain option to live a missionary calling. My limitations are just too great. Paul did this, but trusted more in the power of God to guide him during the trials and tribulations of preaching the Good News. To discover the wisdom of God, I must trust also in the power of God to guide my actions, attitudes and choices. This kind of trust is a result of a solid relationship developed with God over time. It requires time spent in prayer, reflection, conversation and listening to God. With eyes fixed on God, with a heart open to God, and with a mind accepting the mystery of God, I can be assured that the wisdom I seek, is God’s wisdom incarnated in me.

Notes on the Sunday Readings
First Reading
Ezekiel 2: 2-5 – When the Lord speaks to us and gives us a mission, the spirit also comes to us and places us on the path. We are challenged to say yes to God’s word, even when we are not sure of the implications of the call. The most important first step of our response is trust in God’s presence at all moments

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 123:1-2, 2, 3-4 — With eyes steadily fixed on the Lord, we will be assured of the courage and strength to do God’s mission. It sounds easy, but how do we “fix” our eyes on a God that is a spirit? I only know of one way: deepening a relationship with God through prayer and silent reflection. Gaze on the Lord and allow God to gaze on you.

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 — Acquiring the power of God is so different than what most people think. It is not being very wealthy; it is not being in charge of many people; it is not in owning properties and businesses; it is not from having a family who is independently wealthy. It is in being content with weaknesses but having the strength to depend on God and divine strength.

Gospel
Mark 5:21-43 — The reality that Jesus encountered in today’s Gospel speaks loudly to many of us who have had a similar experience. The local people knew Joseph and Mary and their son, Jesus. They watched Jesus grow up. Yet they could not believe in Him as a prophet or someone sent by God. Our families sometimes have the same reaction. It is hard to talk about the deeper realities of life with those we love the most. What should we do? I say trust God enough to allow God’s grace to touch them at the right moment which may not be my moment.

Notes and commentary by Sr. Nancy Schramm, osf, a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart currently ministering at a rural mission church in Pembroke Township, Illinois who previously served in the Amazon area of Brazil for 32 years and is a past president of USCMA

Please pray for the missions.
May God bless you in all the ways you Go Forth…

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