Word has power in experience

The exegesis of Biblical texts to seek greater explanation and interpretation is a discipline which has been applied to many of the passages in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today. The clarification by Friar Jude Winkler of the subtle difference in the understanding of wisdom being knowledge of all things in the time of Solomon, and our orientation to consider wisdom as the ability to see things with the eyes of God helps us with the practical problem of living in an information age where descriptions of events, people and processes are literally available with a mouse click. Our plentiful information is confused with knowledge and does not give us the eyes of the Wisdom offered by God. Amy Hoover of Creighton University expresses a frustration which appears in much modern dialogue “Why didn’t he just say what he meant?” Her reference was to Jesus use of parables in the Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew which is proclaimed today. Teachers, coaches and parents often battle with those they seek to help develop as people over being vague or ambiguous. David Lose reminds preachers and teachers of the views of philosopher JL Austin that words don't just describe things but make things happen. The Word made flesh and the Word of Creation point to the centrality of the power of the Word to act in our tradition. The parables, like the ambiguous instruction, invite us to experience and live the Word. One reassurance for the seeker which spills out of Romans 8:28 today is that God always loves us as Friar Jude summarizes this passage in the understanding that God intends our salvation from Creation and all we do can be used by God to bring us home. This is cause to celebrate and live according to the great optimism Paul’s words to the Romans creates for us. John Piper takes a much deeper exegesis of the four parts of Romans 8:28-30 to explore the concepts of foreknowledge and predestination. At times the simple explanation, based on experience of Divine Love is the best. The experiences of the one who finds treasure and the fishermen who sort the valuable from the other species are real to us. We are invited in the parables to allow the action of the Word to draw us into experience which will confirm our position as beloved of God who has always desires the most glorious path for us!