This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
Jesus’ wisdom contains an element of sagacity when He’s dealing with those who have set themselves up as His enemies.
Throughout His public life, Jesus makes very clear in whose name He is acting and preaching, and who has sent Him: The Father.
Yet, when His enemies try to trap Him with a question about the source of His authority, He answers their question with a very similar question, which they are unable to answer, revealing the insincerity of their motives in questioning Him.
He does not attack them, insult them, or humiliate them; He merely allows their own insincerity to confuse them, and they fall by their own weight.
The Wisdom that is the gift of the Holy Spirit is not just about penetrating into the heart of things. It also enables us to handle very, very tricky situations, where evil seems to have the upper hand, in such a way that goodness comes out on top.
It is this Wisdom that the author of the first reading cherishes. Whereas the life goals of many are wealth, security, power, and pleasure, this author seeks above all else, exclusively it would seem, Wisdom. The reasoning? Undoubtedly, that if there is true wealth of heart and mind, happiness will follow.
The author reminds one of Solomon who, upon an offer from God for whatever he should wish, asks for Wisdom (cf. 1 Kings 3:1-15). God is pleased by this request, and in response He gives him Wisdom, along with many other gifts besides.
If we would like the same gift, the way to obtain it is not through years of study or analysis of reality–but rather through closeness to Him who is omniscience itself, to God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit–through constancy in prayer life.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Ask God boldly for the gift of Wisdom, and to lead you through this gift to make of your life what He wants.
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