Greetings on this the Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Wis 7:22b–8:1; Ps 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175; Lk 17:20-25
Notes: High winds today. Tropical storm forming in the south.
X-reference: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/11/08/yhwh-friar-richard-rohr/
X-reference: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit.pdf
Summary
Jesus teaches us from the Wisdom of God.
"The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.'
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you."
We seek and look everywhere for life. In the depths of the oceans and in the stars of the universe. And life is there. Yet the fullness of human life is not subject to finding it anywhere but right here. The Kingdom and Realm of God is in us, around us and among us. Yes, we must go and discover the Universe! Let us also find peace in the UNI-verse of our one home and one heart.
Reflection
In our first reading today, the Wisdom of God is described using five metaphors:
- Breath of might – animating force of life, gives us meaning.
- Emanation of glory – coming from the source of glory.
- Reflection of light – a State of Being.
- Mirror of power – animating force of the good within us, how we do good.
- Image of goodness – a visible representation of God.
All of these are descriptors of Jesus, the Christ. One may see this reading as Wisdom being the feminine power of God as attributes not as a distinct living being, a gift imparted. For a Christian it is also a good way to understand Jesus as Son and the Holy Spirit as two persons of the Triune God.
Even if your theology does not allow this, speaking to the non-christian, then allow this much. The presence of the divine can be described as the presence of wisdom in one way and in the personal life as given us in the life of Jesus told the gospel.
But in every definition, we do not need to search any longer.
God is here, perduing.
He shares his divine life with us.
Regardless of externalities, we can be at peace in him.
Personal Reflection
The warning in the first reading refers to the person who knows wisdom but acts in contradiction to the will of wisdom. Wisdom cannot thrive in us when we act in this way. Do not drive me from before your face, nor take from me your holy spirit (PS 51:13 x-ref Wis 7:25b, Wis 9:17).
I take that warning two ways. The gifts of wisdom (as like with Solomon) being withdrawn from me in my less-than-perfect ways. But more substantially, the person of the Holy Spirit withdrawing for the same reasons. A horrible thought!
How perfect this prayer:
Prayer for Indwelling of the Spirit
Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the Afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it Your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of Your Love so that I may be wholly subject to you.
We believe that when You dwell in us, You also prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me, Consoler of abandoned souls and protector of the needy. Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering.
Com and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me. You love the humble and resist the proud. Come to me, Glory of the living and Hope of the dying. Lead me by Your grace that I may always be pleasing to you.
Amen.
St Augustine of Hippo
First Reading
Nature and Incomparable Dignity of Wisdom
For she is a breath of the might of God and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nothing defiled can enter into her. For she is the reflection of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness.
Responsorial
Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.
Gospel
Jesus said in reply,
“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry