Word to the Wise
Thursday, November 16, 2017 - Thursday in the 32th Week in Ordinary Time
[Wis 7:22b—8:1 and Luke 17:20-25]And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; and passing into holy souls from age to age,she produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom....Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well. [Wisdom]
Christian tradition has identified Wisdom in the beautiful poem in today's first scripture as the Holy Spirit. (Note that the word for wisdom in Greek - the original language of this book - is sophia, a feminine noun - something our Church has been slow to appropriate in its understanding of the Holy Spirit.) The adjectives tumble over one another in praise of Wisdom and leave one almost breathless at the end!
The line about "friends of God and prophets" captures my attention each time I read this passage because it speaks to all of us of the Holy Spirit that we receive in baptism/confirmation. We are offered that Spirit of Wisdom not only at the sacramental event, but continue to carry it with us if we are willing to pay attention. Baptism is not like one of those one-time inoculations against something. It is the beginning of spiritual breath - a kind of gift that keeps on giving. A "friend of God" lives in God's love. A "prophet" proclaims God's providence and care as well as challenges the steady opposition to God that our secular culture promotes.
In the Gospel According to John, Jesus says to the Samaritan woman, "If only you knew God's gift...." (John 4:10) That line can challenge us to read today's scripture about Wisdom and know the real meaning of "awesome!" AMEN