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 

Wisdom and Prayer

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to the promptings of the Spirit to seek the wisdom of God in times that call for help for our unbelief.

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, 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. (Sirach, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark describes 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, n.d.)

Sr. Candice Tucci, OSF, comments that our first reading reminds us of how all of creation is a living prayer of God’s dwelling spirit of Wisdom. Our Gospel tells us to remember this. We must be in communication with Wisdom who is Spirit, with Jesus. We must pray. We must believe in the power of prayer as we become a living prayer. We must believe in the power of prayer to be with us in times of suffering and encounters with evil forces within our world. Believe in God’s loving communication through each of us.

Wisdom speaks. The Spirit of God is alive and well within each of us. As we move toward Lent, I urge us to be with Wisdom. Listen to God’s voice as the disciples heard on Mt. Tabor. This is my son, Jesus, Listen to him! Yes, listen. Talk with Jesus.

You too will come to know the discipline of wisdom revealed, understand her ways and subtleties through Jesus.

Wisdom will reveal to you the power of God’s Word!

Pray.

Drink from the fountain of God! (Tucci, 2023)

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 as confident as he is, the man also realizes his weakness. Maybe his new faith isn’t all that strong yet; maybe he has some doubts that Jesus can heal his son—especially since the disciples couldn’t do it. But it doesn’t matter. He is not ashamed to cry out to Jesus, acknowledging his need in honesty and humility.

Today, make sure that your prayer of intercession is just as complete as this man’s. Tell Jesus you believe. Take the Nicene Creed or the Apostle’s Creed and proclaim each phrase with all the conviction you can muster. Or take today’s psalm and read it aloud, proclaiming your trust in the Lord. Then ask Jesus to help your unbelief. Bring him your struggles; if a family member is suffering, ask Jesus to help you believe that he is with them. Or if you worry that you can’t witness to your faith, ask him to remind you of the ways he has worked through you in the past.

Keep these two components together, and you’ll feel God’s presence wash over you like cool, clear water.

“I believe, Lord! Help my unbelief.” (Meditation on Mark 9:14-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Book of Sirach that was initially grouped with the deuterocanonical texts until a Hebrew original copy was found. Hebrew wisdom is presented as just as good as Greek wisdom that understood emanations came from God at the other end of the universe. Friar Jude reminds us to live in faith that we be the best we can today and a bit better tomorrow in partnership with God’s plans.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Jesus' initial preaching is summed up in the verse, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15). It is a theologically packed statement. What does the word “repent” mean? First of all, it doesn’t mean to beat ourselves up or to feel bad about ourselves. “Repent” (or metanoia in Greek) means to turn around, to change. The first word that comes out of Jesus’ mouth is change—be willing to change.  

People who are not willing to change are not willing to turn away from themselves. What we’re in love with usually is not God. We’re in love with our way of thinking, our way of explaining, our way of doing. One of the greatest ways to protect ourselves from God, and to protect ourselves from truth and grace, is simply to buy into some kind of cheap conventionalism and call it tradition.   

But the great traditions always call people on a journey of faith to keep changing. There’s no other way this human personality can open up to all that God is asking of us. There’s no way we can open up to all we have to learn, all we have to experience, unless we’re willing to let go of the idols of yesterday and the idols of today. The best protection from the next word of God is the last word of God. We take what we heard from God last year and we build a whole system around it, and then we sit there for the rest of our lives. (Rohr, 2023)

We are nudged by the Spirit to address the events of our lives with a Spirit of trust in the Providential Love of God that will nourish our faith as both gift and response.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 9. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?14 

Meditation on Mark 9:14-29. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/02/20/614071/ 

Psalms, PSALM 93. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/93?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, February 20). Keep Changing — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/keep-changing-2023-02-20/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=feb20 

Sirach, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/1?1 

Tucci, C. (2023, February 20). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022023.html