RBWords

    Years ago, when I was less wise than I hope I am now, I was asked to speak to a class of third-graders on the subject of wisdom.  With the confidence of an "adult," (and an ordained one at that) I asked the class at the outset of the session, "Who can tell me what wisdom is?"  Quite a few hands went up (which should have been a warning to me) and I picked one little boy in the front row and said, "Alright, what is wisdom?"  And he piped up, "Knowledge gained from experience!"  That took the wind out of MY sails and taught me a valuable piece of wisdom, i.e. wisdom can be found in unlikely people and places.

     Jesus speaks of wisdom in today's gospel scripture in terms of being prepared for his return.  His audience would be familiar with the wedding routine and with the problem of having enough oil to keep a lamp burning longer than usual.  The "wise" bridesmaids packed extra.  The foolish ones did not.  The latter learned a bit of wisdom; "Supplies can be short when time is short."  That might be called "Plan B" wisdom, but at the Second Coming, there is no "Plan B!"  Either one is ready or one is not.  Wisdom says, "Stay prepared for the long haul."

     I have come to associate wisdom with the work of the Holy Spirit, because I often cannot explain where I got the particular suggestion I offered to a student in distress.  Generally, it seems to me that developing a habit of reflection on one's experiences on a day by day basis (successes and failures), and listening to other "wise" folks will result in what the quote above from the Book of Wisdom says.  Wisdom will be found by those who seek her.  So it is with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the first of which we learned in catechism is WISDOM.   AMEN