Wisdom Faith and Prayer

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to bolster our understanding of the role of the Wisdom of God, revealed in prayer, in increasing our faith.

Wisdom Faith and Prayer

The reading from the Book of Sirach is in Praise of Wisdom.

* [1:1–10] This brief poem serves as an introduction to the book. The Lord is the source and preserver of all wisdom, which he pours out upon all. See Jb 28:20–28; Prv 2:6; 8:22–31; Wis 7:25–27.

* [1:1] Wisdom: throughout the book Ben Sira describes in great detail just what wisdom is: sometimes divine (1:6, 8), sometimes a synonym for God’s law (24:22–23). Ben Sira makes clear that all wisdom comes from God. (Sirach, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.) 

Psalm 93 praises the Majesty of God’s Rule.

 

* [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Ps 93:1–2) by defeating the sea (Ps 93:3–4). In the ancient myth that is alluded to here, Sea completely covered the land, making it impossible for the human community to live. Sea, or Flood, roars in anger against God, who is personified in the storm. God’s utterances or decrees are given authority by the victory over Sea (Ps 93:5).

* [93:1] The LORD is king: lit., “the LORD reigns.” This Psalm, and Ps 47; 96–99, are sometimes called enthronement Psalms. They may have been used in a special liturgy during which God’s ascent to the throne was ritually reenacted. They have also been interpreted eschatologically, pointing to the coming of God as king at the end-time.

* [93:3] The flood: the primordial sea was tamed by God in the act of creation. It is a figure of chaos and rebellion, cf. Ps 46:4. (Psalms, PSALM 93 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents the Healing of a Boy with a Spirit.

* [9:14–29] The disciples’ failure to effect a cure seems to reflect unfavorably on Jesus (Mk 9:14–18, 22). In response Jesus exposes their lack of trust in God (Mk 9:19) and scores their lack of prayer (Mk 9:29), i.e., of conscious reliance on God’s power when acting in Jesus’ name. For Matthew, see note on Mt 17:14–20. Lk 9:37–43 centers attention on Jesus’ sovereign power.

* [9:29] This kind can only come out through prayer: a variant reading adds “and through fasting.” (Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mike Cherney shares that he is someone who can overestimate his own role in the grand scheme of things.

What also strikes me in this Gospel passage is the father’s honest cry, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" The last month has been particularly upsetting for me. As I wrestle with uncertainty in the world and in my own life, and I am consoled knowing that Jesus does not dismiss the father’s “mixed” faith but instead responds with compassion and healing. This moment encourages me to bring my own doubts and struggles to God, trusting that my incomplete faith is still enough for God to work in my life. (Cherney, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Emerging faith seeks maturity,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"In saying, 'When the Son of Man shall come, shall he find faith upon the earth?' our Lord spoke of that faith which is fully matured, which is so seldom found on earth. The church's faith is full, for who would come here if there were no fullness of faith? And whose faith when fully matured would not move mountains (Matthew 17:20; 21:22)? Look at the apostles themselves, who would not have left all they had, trodden under foot this world's hope, and followed the Lord, if they had not had proportionally great faith. And yet if they had already experienced a completely matured faith, they would have not said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith' (Luke 17:5). Rather we find here an emerging faith, which is not yet full faith, in that father who when he had presented to the Lord his son to be cured of an evil spirit and was asked whether he believed, answered, 'Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief' (Mark 9:24). 'Lord,' says he, 'I believe.' 'I believe': therefore there was faith; but 'help me in my unbelief': therefore there was not full faith (Hebrews 10:22)." (excerpt from SERMONS ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 65) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 9:14-29 comments that we’re not much different from this beleaguered father at times. Sometimes we wonder if Jesus can really help us. It’s not because we don’t believe in him. It’s just that we are so used to trusting only in what we have experienced in the past. But as he did with this man, Jesus assures us that so much more is possible—if we have faith.

The smallest seed of faith can bring God into your situation. Don’t wait until you think you have “great faith.” Just offer Jesus what you have. As you see him at work in your life, your belief and trust will grow stronger. It will guide you and help you navigate your challenges. It will open you to the wisdom and comfort of the Holy Spirit. So stand back, take a deep breath, and watch Jesus get to work!

“Lord, I come to you now, with the faith I have, to ask for your help!” (Meditation on Mark 9:14-29, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Sirach is one of the late books of the Bible, originally only found in Greek and not included in the Jewish or Protestant Canon. The theme presented by Sirach is that Jewish Wisdom is as good as Greek wisdom during a time of Hellenization. Friar Jude notes the continuing misunderstanding of the disciples about Jesus' ministry as they attempt to heal the young boy who likely suffered from epilepsy.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC affiliate faculty member Carmen Acevedo Butcher who describes the extraordinary life of Hildegard of Bingen. She highlights Hildegard’s passion for music as a pathway to God in songs that often praised God’s presence in creation.

O Holy Power who forged the Way for us!  

You penetrate all in heaven and earth and even down below.   

You’re everything in One.   

Through You, clouds billow and roll and winds fly!  

Seeds drip juice,   

springs bubble into brooks, and   

spring’s refreshing greens flow—through You—over all the earth!  

You also lead my spirit into Fullness.   

Holy Power, blow wisdom in my soul and—with your wisdom—Joy! [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We consider the gift of faith in times of uncertainty in the events of our journey and seek the comfort of the Spirit through our prayer and action,

References

Cherney, M. (2025, February 24). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022425.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?14 

Meditation on Mark 9:14-29. (2025, February 24). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/24/1209769/ 

Psalms, PSALM 93 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/93?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Hildegard of Bingen: A Multi-Talented Mystic. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/hildegard-of-bingen-a-multi-talented-mystic/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). All Things Are Possible to Him Who Believes. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb24 

Sirach, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/1?1 

Rejection to Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the experience of rejection and the restoration to life that the Spirit calls us to know.

Becoming the keystone

The reading from the Book of Genesis describes how Joseph is sold by his brothers.

* [37:3] Jacob’s favoring Joseph over his other sons is a cause of the brothers’ attempt on his life. Throughout the story, Jacob is unaware of the impact of his favoritism on his other sons (cf. vv. 33–35; 42:36). Long ornamented tunic: the meaning of the Hebrew phrase is unclear. In 2 Sm 13:18–19, it is the distinctive dress of unmarried royal daughters. The “coat of many colors” in the Septuagint became the traditional translation. Ancient depictions of Semites in formal dress show them with long, ornamented robes and that is the most likely meaning here. Possibly, the young Joseph is given a coat that symbolizes honor beyond his years. Later, Pharaoh will clothe Joseph in a robe that symbolizes honor (41:42).1

 

Psalm 105 praises God’s faithfulness to Israel.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11). In every phase of the national story—the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Ps 105:12–15), Joseph in Egypt (Ps 105:16–22), Israel in Egypt (Ps 105:23–38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Ps 105:39–45)—God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants.2

 

The Gospel of Matthew is the parable of the Wicked Tenants.

* [21:33–46] Cf. Mk 12:1–12. In this parable there is a close correspondence between most of the details of the story and the situation that it illustrates, the dealings of God with his people. Because of that heavy allegorizing, some scholars think that it does not in any way go back to Jesus, but represents the theology of the later church. That judgment applies to the Marcan parallel as well, although the allegorizing has gone farther in Matthew. There are others who believe that while many of the allegorical elements are due to church sources, they have been added to a basic parable spoken by Jesus. This view is now supported by the Gospel of Thomas 65, where a less allegorized and probably more primitive form of the parable is found.3

 

Dennis Hamm, S.J., (from 2016) comments that we have three stories—the Joseph story, the parable of Isaiah and the passion and resurrection of Jesus exhibiting the divine plot of rejection by the leaders of his day only to become the savior of his people. Another expression of the same phenomenon is the quotation of a verse from Psalm 118 that comes toward the end of Jesus’ speech.

The early church found in those words of an ancient psalm the perfect summary of the Paschal mystery. While the original psalmist seems to be speaking about the eventual thriving of tyrannized Israel, those words are now wonderfully fulfilled in the life death and resurrection of Jesus. The “builders” (the religious and imperial authorities of Jesus’ day) reject Jesus (like quarrymen rejecting a block of limestone as not worthy of their building plans) by killing him; but Jesus is raised from the dead and becomes the foundation stone of the New Temple that is the renewed people of God, the Church.  And so, already this early in Lent, we are given a glimpse of what will happen in the death and resurrection of Jesus that we celebrate during Passion Week, Easter, and Pentecost.4

 

Don Schwager quotes “Life through death,” by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Unless the Word of God had first assumed our mortal flesh He could not have died for us. Only in that way was the immortal God able to die and to give life to mortal humans. Therefore, by this double sharing He brought about a wonderful exchange. We made death possible for Him, and He made life possible for us." (excerpt from Sermon 218C, 1)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28 comments that simply asking a family member to forgive little offenses can open up new avenues of understanding, respect, and love. It can also make room for the Spirit to heal relationships and to draw family members closer together.

Jesus wants to teach us how to live in mercy and love, especially in our families. He knows that if we base our relationships on day-to-day forgiveness, we’ll be more willing to show mercy when larger challenges come our way. United under the banner of forgiveness, we will find the grace to weather any storm! “Lord, help us become quick to repent and eager to forgive.”6

 

Friar Jude Winkler fleshes out some of the circumstances for the intense jealousy of Joseph's brothers over the preference shown by Jacob. The death of the son in the parable is located differently by Mark and Matthew indicating that it was originally written before Jesus' death. Friar Jude notes the Golgotha quarry with cracked and rejected stones, became the location of Jesus' crucifixion.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, recognizes the divine feminine has been at work at all times and in all places, even when she has not been affirmed or even recognized. The mystic and Doctor of the Church Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) proclaimed the feminine aspects of God, challenging both church and culture. Author and spiritual teacher Mirabai Starr considers Hildegard’s relevance for our time.

Although Hildegard was recognized as a saint among her own people . . . over the ages, her teachings faded into obscurity. It has only been since the twentieth century, in light of a renewed interest in feminine spirituality, that Hildegard’s transmission has been revivified. Her recognition of nature as sacred and her outstanding musical gifts directly address our contemporary hunger for a spirituality that is both socially relevant and passionately alive. [2]7

 

Contemplation of the transformation of rejection into discovery of new life is a theme that the Spirit nudges us to accept on our journey.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Genesis, CHAPTER 37 | USCCB. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/37
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105
3	(n.d.). Matthew, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/21
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/031822.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=mar18
6	(n.d.). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/03/18/331516/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://cac.org/the-earth-is-at-the-same-time-mother-2022-03-18/