Word to the Wise
Friday, March 11, 2016 - 4th Week of Lent - Fri
[Wis 2:1a, 12-22 and John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30]FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016 FRIDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT [Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 and John7:1-2, 10, 25-30] The wicked said among themselves, thinking not aright: "Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. He professes to have knowledge of God and styles himself a child of the Lord. To us he is the censure of our thoughts; merely to see him is a hardship for us." [Wisdom] Be sure to read the full text from Wisdom today! It shows a profound psychological insight into human thinking. No wonder that the Christian community found in these words a way of understanding why Jesus was handed over to a shameful death.. However, this is not just a matter of Jesus' fate, but the common fate of anyone who is serious about their faith. Holiness and integrity of life has a way of causing resentment amongst those who do not live that way. It can cause resentment among even faithful people who are envious. None of us is perfect, but some of us resent those who seem to have found a way that brings them closer to God. "What's their secret?" The way closer to God is open to everyone. It requires effort and a willingness to admit to failure. Mercy is the path to as much perfection as a human can attain. If we need God enough, God will find a way to satisfy that longing despite our imperfections. But we cannot expect God to do all the work. If we continue to place obstacles by our choices, we can expect God to honor those choices. If we admit that our choices have been poor and we need help and mercy to find the way again. God is standing by ready to help. It will take courage on our parts because Wisdom warns us there are folks who have a tough time accepting a person of holiness and integrity. Just ask Jesus. AMEN