Scripture:
Acts 17:15, 22-18:1
John 16:12-15
Reflection:
The two readings assigned to Wednesday of the sixth week of Easter, could be designated for a Mass devoted “to the Wisdom of God.” I heartily suggest that you linger over these two readings, read them a couple of times, because of their importance in confirming each one of us as “bearers of the Wisdom of God towards others.”
This is why these two readings get my attention. “I have much more to tell you,” Jesus says to his disciples, “but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” (John 16:13)
Have you ever had the experience of someone speaking to you about something of a very personal nature? Such that you stop and think about what was said and ponder it in your heart. You may have instant recall of what was spoken to you from the heart of another. I recall a Confessor of mine, when I lived in San Antonio, spoke that kind of truth to me. It stopped me in my tracks and made me think and commit to a change in behavior. I use that wisdom he gave me, often, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This priest was a “bearer of the Wisdom of God” for me.
And our bearing the Wisdom of God will not always be accepted as we read here in Acts, where, “some began to scoff.” That is what St. Paul was for many who had assembled at Athens’ famous forum, the Areopagus, where sophisticated discussions and civic decisions were made. The God of whom Paul preached was the God of all people. He was preaching the God in whom all of us “live and move and exist.” (Acts 17:25)
Paul was quoting Aratus, a famous Athenian poet when he (Paul) said “For we too are God’s offspring.” And Paul meant that in a challenging manner, because people would be judged justly, knowing that they were not treating one another as brothers and sisters.
I will say it again. Through our Baptism we are entrusted with God’s Wisdom through the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The Father will take from what He gave to His Son and declare it to us.
Pray that you will be open to the Spirit, to bear whatever wisdom is appropriate at the moment that God sends you as God’s bearer of Wisdom. Let’s pray for each other.
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P., is a member of the Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan.