Wisdom and Support

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the gift of Wisdom to guide our choice of preparation and action as disciples of Christ in our environment.

The Gift of Wisdom

The reading from the Book of Sirach proclaims rewards of Wisdom.

* [4:11–19] The Hebrew text in vv. 15–19 presents wisdom speaking in the first person, as in chap. 24. The precious fruits of wisdom—life, favor, glory, blessings, God’s love—arouse desire for her (vv. 11–14). Her disciples are like ministers (v. 14) and judges (v. 15), whose descendants have her for their heritage (v. 16). They enjoy happiness and learn her secrets after surviving her tests (vv. 17–18). Those who fail her are abandoned to destruction (v. 19). (Sirach, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, the disciples encounter another Exorcist.

* [9:38–41] Jesus warns against jealousy and intolerance toward others, such as exorcists who do not follow us. The saying in Mk 9:40 is a broad principle of the divine tolerance. Even the smallest courtesies shown to those who teach in Jesus’ name do not go unrewarded. (Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Maureen McCann Waldron comments that throughout the New Testament, we can imagine Jesus shaking his head at his disciples who “get in wrong” missing the point of his stories and actions. We are all called to spread the good news Jesus brought. Jesus asked us to love one another and to spread his teachings by the example of our lives. 

I haven’t been asked to drive out demons. But can’t I work on my own demons of jealousy and envy?  Can I decide today to love my family better, to be kinder to the neighbor who always wants to talk too long?  To stop judging those who are different than me?

Loving Jesus, take my hand today as I try to follow your teachings more closely.  Help me to open my heart to those around me who are part of my life.  And especially let me see those on the margins who are not ‘inside my circle’ and too easy for me to pass by or ignore.  You gave me your example of how to live and love others.  Let me follow it today. (McCann, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Encouraging good works done in Christ,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We ought not be disturbed because some who do not belong or do not yet belong to this temple, that is, among whom God does not or does not yet dwell, perform some works of power, as happened to the one who cast out devils in the name of Christ (Mark 9:38, Luke 9:49). Although he was not a follower of Christ, Christ ordered that he be allowed to continue because it gave a valuable testimony of his name to many... The centurion Cornelius also saw the angel that was sent to him to say that his prayers had been heard and his alms accepted (Acts 10:3-4), even before he was incorporated into this temple by regeneration." (excerpt from LETTER 187, TO DARDANUS 36) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 9:38-40 comments that Jesus is not about exclusion. His kingdom is open to everyone equally. No one gets special access or receives special treatment. Quite the opposite, in fact. If anyone is the “greatest,” it’s the “one who serves” (Luke 22:27). It’s the one who welcomes little children (Mark 9:37) and who feeds the hungry, visits prisoners, and clothes the naked (Matthew 25:35-36). In other words, it’s the ones who strive to be like Jesus, who “did not come to be served but to serve” (20:28).

Jesus told his disciples, “Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). Anyone who works to liberate people—emotionally, spiritually, physically—is doing God’s work. The world is hurting too much for us to worry about who is and who is not part of our group. The only real question is whether we are joining Jesus in his work of salvation.

“Jesus, give me your heart of humility and love and service.” (Meditation on Mark 9:38-40, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Sirach passage is a continuation about Wisdom. She tests people to see if they are willing to surrender to God’s will. If we choose foolishness we suffer foolishness. If we are wise, we know and serve God. Jesus asserts that driving out demons is not a monopoly. Friar Jude reminds us if we see good we should celebrate not meditate on hidden motives or association. God works in many ways.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces scholar Wendy Farley who writes about the Rhineland mystic Mechthild of Magdeburg.

Mechthild uses royal imagery for God (empress, queen, or lord). But because she conceives of power as a form of love, she understands monarchical metaphors in a distinctive way. God’s majesty and omnipotence are qualities related to the divine desire for intimacy with humanity. For Mechthild, it is not sheer power that makes God divine. It is love. This play between love and power is evident in the preface of Mechthild’s book, where God claims authorship of the book. “I made [gemachet] it in my powerlessness [unmaht], for I cannot restrain myself as to my gifts.” [2] This is a paradoxical way of describing divine power. Even God is powerless to contain God…. God is powerless to stop giving gifts to humanity. Because the divine nature is love, to do so would require the unmaking of divinity itself.  

Theologians such as Augustine and [Martin] Luther struggle to understand how to reconcile love and justice or divine omnipotence and human agency. This is in part because they think of power as coercive or univocal agency. But for Mechthild, God’s desire for humanity is incompatible with sheer omnipotence, not because God has less power but because it is a different kind of power. God renounces power as “might,” in favor of love…. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the role of our membership and participation in groups in society and implore the Spirit for the Wisdom that retrains our openness to others and their needs.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?38 

McCann, M. (2025, February 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022625.html 

Meditation on Mark 9:38-40. (2025, February 26). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/26/1210968/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?165  

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Mechthild of Magdeburg: God’s Power Is Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/mechthild-of-magdeburg-gods-power-is-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Any One Who Does a Mighty Work in My Name. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb26 

Sirach, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/4? 

Law and Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to evaluate the tensions in our life that threaten to hide the love that is present to us as Christ acts through the people in our life.

Law and Life

In the reading from the Letter to the Romans, Paul expounds on his struggle with sin and death.

* [7:13–25] Far from improving the sinner, law encourages sin to expose itself in transgressions or violations of specific commandments (see Rom 1:24; 5:20). Thus persons who do not experience the justifying grace of God, and Christians who revert to dependence on law as the criterion for their relationship with God, will recognize a rift between their reasoned desire for the goodness of the law and their actual performance that is contrary to the law. Unable to free themselves from the slavery of sin and the power of death, they can only be rescued from defeat in the conflict by the power of God’s grace working through Jesus Christ.

* [7:23] As in Rom 3:27 Paul plays on the term law, which in Greek can connote custom, system, or principle. (Romans, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus alerts us to interpreting the time and settling with our opponents.

* [12:59] The last penny: Greek, lepton, a very small amount. Mt 5:26 has for “the last penny” the Greek word kodrantēs (Latin quadrans, “farthing”). (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Ann Mausbach comments that another interesting thing about today’s gospel is that we are reminded of Jesus’ struggle on earth. He sounds a little impatient. He reached out to the sick and disadvantaged because he wanted to demonstrate that salvation was available to everyone, a revolutionary concept in that time (and even today).

It’s no wonder he was frustrated as his good deeds were frequently meant with skepticism. This human aspect of Jesus' character serves as a reminder that it's okay to struggle, but we must keep engaging with God. This isn’t something we can put off, it must happen now, in our day-to-day life. 

As we pray this week let’s remember to see the signs and more importantly understand and act on them. Let’s remember that the time is now to demonstrate our love for God and our fellow man. (Mausbach, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Signs from the Law point to the dawn of the Mystery of Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"People focus their attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all. It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards evening and at lighting of lamps (Exodus 12:6).

"We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, 'Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come' (Song 2:10-12). As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 95) (Schwager, 2019)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:54-59 comments that the Lord longs to pierce through our fog. For centuries, the saints have offered a simple tool to do just that: silence. Contemplative silence can help us cut through distractions so that we can see the Lord. While it may take time, persevering in silent contemplation gives the Lord the space to wipe our spiritual lenses clean. It softens our hearts and increases our ability to recognize Jesus everywhere we go.

Sometimes this path of silence can be difficult, but the name of Jesus is a powerful guide. As you quietly seek the Lord, utter his sacred name in your heart with each breath. With one breath after another, his name can lead you closer to him. As you release your burdens, you can move toward peace. The name of Jesus can help wipe away distractions and open your eyes to better see and follow the Lord. Then you will be able to “interpret the present time” and recognize what the Lord is doing—both in your heart and in the world around you.

“Lord Jesus, open my eyes.” (Meditation on Luke 12:54-59, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the battle of Paul expressed in Romans between his knowledge of good and his concupiscence in which he is tempted to do other things. Following Jesus does involve saying no to other choices. Friar Jude reminds us that living a life consistent with our calling is essential to starting to live in the Kingdom now.

James Finley notes that Mechthild of Magdeburg lived independently as a beguine until she could no longer care for herself. He highlights what we can learn from Mechthild as she approached her death by sharing her prayer expressing her gratitude to God for her powerlessness.

Thus speaks a beggar woman in her prayer to God:

Lord, I thank You that since in Your love You have taken from me all earthly riches, You now clothe and feed me through the goodness of others, so that I no longer know those things that might clothe my heart in pride of possession.

Lord, I thank You that since You have taken my sight from me, You serve me through the eyes of others.

Lord, I thank You that since You have taken from me the strength of my hands and the strength of my heart, You now serve me with the hands and hearts of others. [1] (Finley, 2023)

We are nudged by the Spirit to take time to contemplate the opportunities we encounter on our journey to know the Love of God in our relationships with people and Nature.

References

Finley, J. (2023, October 27). Unraveled by Love — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/unraveled-by-love/ 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?54 

Mausbach, A. (2023, October 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102723.html 

Meditation on Luke 12:54-59. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/10/27/815177/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119? 

Romans, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/7?18 

Schwager, D. (2019, March 9). Heed the Warning Signs before It Is Too Late. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=oct27 

 

Decision and Division

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that choice of the way of truth, beauty, and love may cause some to choose separation over celebration of our decision.

The Two Ways

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans describes the Wages of Sin.

* [6:20] You were free from righteousness: expressed ironically, for such freedom is really tyranny. The commercial metaphors in Rom 6:21–23 add up only one way: sin is a bad bargain.

* [6:22] Sanctification: or holiness. (Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 1 outlines the Two Ways.

* [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death.

* [1:1] The way: a common biblical term for manner of living or moral conduct (Ps 32:8; 101:2, 6; Prv 2:20; 1 Kgs 8:36).

* [1:2] The law of the LORD: either the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, or, more probably, divine teaching or instruction.

* [1:4] The wicked: those who by their actions distance themselves from God’s life-giving presence. (Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus notes the Cause of Division.

* [12:49–53] Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire. His message that meets with acceptance or rejection will be a source of conflict and dissension even within families.

* [12:50] Baptism: i.e., his death. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. (1999) comments that today we can really feel the passion of Jesus.  He is restless in his desire to ignite a fire.  He's on a mission.  It is deep inside of him, coming out of the fire within him.  His desire is to draw us in, to enflame our hearts, to have us ablaze with his mission, with our passion.

So today we can ask ourselves how we might catch the passion of Jesus, and let it ignite our hearts, so that we might set our world ablaze.

What is the passion I feel, the desire, the invitation, to recover today?  Do I feel loved with the passion of Jesus?  What would I have to surrender to be more "on fire?"  How would it change my relationships, my view of my work, my outlook on life, my faith and service of others - if I let myself be touched by this loving Fire? (Alexander, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in the Holy Spirit,“ by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the Gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the divinely inspired Scripture's custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 94) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 6:19-23 notes that Paul is realistic about human nature. He knows that everyone—including himself—struggles with sin. So that’s why he talks about “sanctification,” or holiness, as a process. Baptism cleanses us from original sin and makes us into a new creation, but we still need to learn to live out that new creation. We still need to learn how to “present” ourselves every day as “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:19).

So the next time you face a strong temptation, keep the end in mind! Remember that Jesus has claimed you as his own, and you belong to him now. Remember that the wages of sin are a dead end—quite literally—but that you have traded slavery to sin for a new status as a beloved child of God. And be patient with yourself, as God is patient with you. The path of sanctification takes a lifetime, and Jesus promises to be with you all the way.

“Jesus, I belong to you!” (Meditation on Romans 6:19-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Romans today is a continuation of the exhortation of Paul that we make Christ the centre of our lives and choose righteousness over selfishness. The Gospel presents our commitment to Christ as a fire. Friar Jude reminds us that when we commit to Love, others may divide themselves from us and we will have to live the consequences of our choice.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that the beguines’ choice to live in cities among poor and working-class people showed their dedication to serve God by serving the “least of these.” Theologian Wendy Farley presents Mechthild’s teaching on contemplation and compassionate action. Mechthild insists that the intimate love she and God share is made manifest in a desire to serve others.

The radical compassion she envisions as the heart of practical action cannot be generated out of a sense of obligation or duty. It is a heart-sense that makes it unbearable to be indifferent to another’s needs or to think of anyone as “below” oneself. In an echo of her trinitarian understanding of the soul, she suggests a threefold practice to support this radical compassion: detachment, which participates in the transcendent mystery of the godhead; compassion, which participates in the humanity of Christ; and desire to care for human need, which participates in the Holy Spirit. [3] In addition, she recommends that one dedicate an hour or so to undisturbed prayer. Though she is writing to people who live in religious community, the insistence that the wells of mercy and compassion are fed by prayer is pertinent to modern people as well. As many an overworked pastor or mother knows, this hour (or even twenty minutes!) is difficult to find. Yet without it, compassionate care can become exhausting rather than grace-filled and sweet. We are better able to convey love and compassion when we are grounded in the experience of being loved ourselves.… (Rohr, 2023)

We are nudged by the Spirit to make decisions about our loving actions that may generate decisions to separate by some people, even as we experience the fullness of life in our choice.

References

Alexander, A. (2023, October 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102623.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?49 

Meditation on Romans 6:19-23. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/10/26/814421/ 

Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, October 26). Mechthild's Call to Compassion — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/mechthilds-call-to-compassion/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/6?19 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came to Cast Fire upon the Earth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=oct26