Love and Wisdom

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge and comfort us with the gift of Love that opens our understanding to great life and Wisdom.

Greatest of These

The reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians proclaims the Gift of Love.

* [13:1–13] This chapter involves a shift of perspective and a new point. All or part of the material may once have been an independent piece in the style of Hellenistic eulogies of virtues, but it is now integrated, by editing, into the context of 1 Cor 12–14 (cf. the reference to tongues and prophecy) and into the letter as a whole (cf. the references to knowledge and to behavior). The function of 1 Cor 13 within the discussion of spiritual gifts is to relativize all the charisms by contrasting them with the more basic, pervasive, and enduring value that gives them their purpose and their effectiveness. The rhetoric of this chapter is striking.

* [13:1–3] An inventory of gifts, arranged in careful gradation: neither tongues (on the lowest rung), nor prophecy, knowledge, or faith, nor even self-sacrifice has value unless informed by love.

* [13:4–7] This paragraph is developed by personification and enumeration, defining love by what it does or does not do. The Greek contains fifteen verbs; it is natural to translate many of them by adjectives in English.

* [13:8–13] The final paragraph announces its topic, Love never fails (1 Cor 13:8), then develops the permanence of love in contrast to the charisms (1 Cor 13:9–12), and finally asserts love’s superiority even over the other “theological virtues” (1 Cor 13:13).

* [13:13] In speaking of love, Paul is led by spontaneous association to mention faith and hope as well. They are already a well-known triad (cf. 1 Thes 1:3), three interrelated (cf. 1 Cor 13:7) features of Christian life, more fundamental than any particular charism. The greatest…is love: love is operative even within the other members of the triad (7), so that it has a certain primacy among them. Or, if the perspective is temporal, love will remain (cf. “never fails,” 1 Cor 13:8) even when faith has yielded to sight and hope to possession. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 33 praises the Greatness and Goodness of God.

* [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Ps 33:1–3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Ps 33:4–5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Ps 33:6–9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Ps 33:10–11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares how Wisdom is Vindicated.

* [7:31–35] See note on Mt 11:16–19. (Luke, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner comments that Love never fails. We might fail each other. We might fail ourselves. But God’s love never fails even when we feel like a clashing cymbal. We need to hear that message over and over again.

The way to God is love. In the Gospel, Jesus uses the examples of different paths. It can be hard for people to embrace the idea that love is kind and extends to the tax collector and sinners. Love can “endure all things” even when we don’t see the way out of our own difficulties. 

I need to remember in times of celebration of love and times when it seems that love is absent, that truly love is patient and kind. That means I too must try to be patient and kind, to make sure that my own resounding gong and clashing cymbal proclaim hope, faith and most of all love in my thoughts and my actions. (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The song and dances of the prophets,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Therefore, wisdom is justified by all her children.' He fittingly says 'by all,' because justice is preserved around all. In order that an acceptance of the faithful may happen, a rejection of the unbelieving must occur. Very many Greeks say this, "Wisdom is justified by all her works," because the duty of justice is to preserve the measure around the merit of each. It aptly says, "We have piped to you, and you have not danced." Moses sang a song when he stopped the flow in the Red Sea for the crossing of the Jews (Exodus 15:1-18), and the same waves encircled the horses of the Egyptians and, falling back, drowned their riders. Isaiah sang a song of his beloved's vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7), signifying that the people who before had been fruitful with abundant virtues would be desolate through shameful acts. The Hebrews sang a song when the soles of their feet grew moist at the touch of the bedewing flame, and while all burned within and without, the harmless fire caressed them alone and did not scorch (Daniel 3:19-25). Habakkuk also learned to assuage universal grief with a song and prophesied that the sweet passion of the Lord would happen for the faithful (Habakkuk 3:13). The prophets sang songs with spiritual measures, resounding with prophecies of universal salvation. The prophets wept, softening the hard hearts of the Jews with sorrowful lamentations" (Isaiah 46:12). (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 6.6-7) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13 notes how Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.and urges us to imagine what love might look like for us. 

Love never fails (13:8). The love that never fails comes directly from God. It’s the love he has poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). This is an eternal love that leads us right into the courts of heaven. It’s a love that fills us to overflowing and empowers us to love one another the way he loves us.

May we all learn to live in that love!

“Lord, lead me in the most excellent way—the way of your love!” (Meditation on 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the great poem on love that reviews spiritual gifts and proclaims the most excellent way that avoids self aggrandizement. We are called to use our gifts for the building up of the Kingdom. Friar Jude reminds us to be aware that God may act in our lives in ways that we do not expect. 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Palestinian Quaker Jean Zaru who reflects upon her lifelong commitment to peacemaking. Zaru considers the inward and outward dimensions of her commitment to peace.

As Palestinian women, we have a special burden and service. We are constantly being told to be peaceful. But the inner peace of which I speak is not simply being nice, or being passive, or permitting oneself to be trampled upon without protest. It is not passive nonviolence, but the nonviolence of courageous action.…  

What is that inner force that drives us, that provides regeneration and perseverance to speak the truth that desperately needs to be spoken in this moment of history?… If I deserve credit for courage, it is not for anything I do here, but for continuing in my daily struggle under occupation on so many fronts, for remaining samideh (steadfast) and, all the while, remaining open to love, to the beauty of the earth, and contributing to its healing when it is violated. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the message we receive today from the great tribute to love in 1 Corinthians 13 and open ourselves to the promptings of the Spirit to live in that Love.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/7?31 

Meditation on 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/18/1075291/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13 

Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/33?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Remaining Steadfast in Nonviolence. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/remaining-steadfast-in-nonviolence/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). How Shall I Compare This Generation? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep18 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091824.html 

Light and Joy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to celebrate the Grace events of our journey as a guiding light to fullness of life for ourselves and the people in our environment.

Letting Our Light Shine

The reading from the Book of Ezra describes the end of the Babylonian Captivity.

* [1:1] In the first year of Cyrus: the first regnal year of Cyrus was 539 B.C., but his first year as ruler of Babylon, after the conquest of that city, was 538 B.C., the year in which he issued an edict, replicated on the famous Cyrus cylinder, permitting the repatriation of peoples deported by the Babylonians.

* [1:2] The God of heaven: this title, used as in 7:12, 21, 23, corresponds to a title of the Zoroastrian supreme deity Ahura Mazda, though it is not certain that Cyrus was a Zoroastrian.

* [1:5] Heads of ancestral houses: the ancestral house was the basic organizational unit of the postexilic community, consisting of an extended kinship group claiming descent from a common ancestor. The patriarchs of these units played an important role in civic government. (Ezra, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 126 praises a Harvest of Joy.

* [Psalm 126] A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1–3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 126 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares sayings about a Lamp under a Jar.

* [8:16–18] These sayings continue the theme of responding to the word of God. Those who hear the word must become a light to others (Lk 8:16); even the mysteries of the kingdom that have been made known to the disciples (Lk 8:9–10) must come to light (Lk 8:17); a generous and persevering response to the word of God leads to a still more perfect response to the word. (Luke, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tom Quinn notes that King Cyrus of Persia overcame the Babylonians. He not only set the Jewish nation free at the direction of the Lord, the God of heaven, "but encouraged them to return home to rebuild their Temple in honor of “the God of Heaven.” He even contributed to the funds for rebuilding the Temple.

Stones and mortar will never be able to convey God’s love for us as well as the life and words of Jesus. In today’s gospel Jesus tells us to let our light shine. Put it on a lampstand and let everyone see it. Whether our lampstand is a splendid and precious temple, a cathedral, or our own lives and work, our light will shine and encourage others. If we have [faith] more will be given. If we do not have [faith] and only pretend for the benefit of others, this charade will crumble; we will be left with nothing. Even though Jesus asks us to emulate the example that he gave us and to influence others through our good works and actions, it is important to avoid hypocrisy. Let your light shine but be sincere in your actions and words. I found that Matthew 6:1-6 was a great aid in understanding Jesus’ teaching on insincerity and hypocrisy. We may even shed our light on others if we “...go into our room, close the door, and pray to our Father, who is unseen.” (Quinn, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The Word of God is like a lamp to guide us,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Scripture does not say this about a tangible lamp but about a comprehensible one. One does not 'light' the lamp and conceal it 'with a vessel' or put it 'under a bed, but on the lamp stand' within himself. The vessels of the house are the powers of the soul. The bed is the body. 'Those who go in' are those who hear the teacher... He calls the holy church a 'lamp stand.' By its proclamation, the Word of God gives light to all who are in this world and illuminates those in the house with the rays of the truth, filling the minds of all with divine knowledge. (excerpt from FRAGMENTS ON LUKE 120, 122) (Schwager, 2022)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 8:16-18 comments that hearing is more than a function of the mind; it’s also a function of the heart. So take the time to ponder God’s word.

In the end, hearing is more than what you can do yourself. It’s an action of God. As you pay attention and ponder, God can change your heart. He can teach you to see the world as he does. So let’s listen to God’s word today. Let’s contemplate what he might be saying to us through it. Most of all, let’s open our hearts to allow God to change us, make us fruitful, and draw us close to himself.

“Jesus, teach me how to hear the words you speak to me so that my heart can change.” (Meditation on Luke 8:16-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that King Cyrus of Persia conquered the Babylonians and allowed the captured people, including the Jews, to return to their homeland. The short sayings in the Gospel declare that our works give witness to who we are. Our knowledge of everything, after death, will move us to heal brokenness. Friar Jude reminds us that our faith grows as we trust in God.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that minister and author Howard Thurman (1899–1981) stressed the importance of coming face to face with God. Spending time with Quakers provided Thurman with sacred space to experience his oneness with God and other people. It proved to be a doorway to both action and contemplation. Author Lerita Coleman Brown writes:

For more than four hundred years, a vibrant Quaker commitment to the mystical practice of silence has persisted…. Staunch promoters of the “still small voice,” Quakers believe that everyone carries the divine light of God within them and that we are all equal regardless of title or socioeconomic status. They believe that God speaks ceaselessly to us and that quietness and stillness are prerequisites for hearing the soft, gentle, wordless communication of God. Yet for Quakers, being contemplative is not enough; they assume that actions emerging from the silence should facilitate the end of social injustices and the creation of a more benevolent world. As advocates of peace and equality, many Quakers participated in the Underground Railroad, assisting thousands in escaping slavery. (Rohr, 2022)

We ponder our experience of Word, light, and silence and the Spirit inviting us to attend to the “still small voice” that connects us to Divine Truth.

References

Ezra, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezra/1?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/8?16 

Meditation on Luke 8:16-18. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/09/25/791563/ 

Psalms, PSALM 126 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/126?0 

Quinn, T. (2023, September 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/092523.html 

Rohr, R. (2022, October 2). A Sense of Presence. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-sense-of-presence/ 

Schwager, D. (2022, October 2). Every Secret Shall Come to Light. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=sep25