Word to the Wise
Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Saturday in the 31th Week in Ordinary Time
[Phil 4:10-19 and Luke 16:9-15]..... [F]or I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. [Philippians]
The famous actress, Mae West, has been quoted as saying: "I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better." St. Paul, in today's first scripture from his Letter to the Philippians, says it doesn't matter which one he is in. He endures all situations because of "him who empowers me."
My own pastoral experience as well as living in different communities of my religious order (Dominicans) has taught me the truth of those words. I have often said to a student overwhelmed with challenges to "put your faith to work for you." This doesn't mean that one simply sits down in misery or refuses to get out of bed, but rather one seeks a way forward knowing that God will help. It means recognizing the gift that abundance can be as well as the danger it contains in over-confidence and smug superiority. It means that adversity does not mean ultimate defeat. The real challenge is to discern what is the wisest and healthiest way forward under the circumstances, having faith that the Holy Spirit will guide the discernment. The tears of frustration and the joys of abundance are shared with St. Paul when we recognize the presence of the one who empowers us in faith. AMEN