Wisdom Is Calling-May, 24, 2024
Today’s Readings
AM Psalm 16, 17; PM Psalm 22
Prov. 8:1-21; 2 John 1-13; Matt. 12:1-14
Today’s Reflection
Imagine someone standing outside of your home shouting as you are leaving for school or work, “Be mindful of me in the ways you engage your day!” Then, you arrive at your destination and there she is again, “If you let me be a part of your thinking and your speaking, you will speak truth and wisdom and knowledge!” You head to lunch with friends and there she is again, calling out, “What I have to say to you is more valuable than the most precious jewel!”
In a way, that is how the Book of Proverbs describes Sophia, the embodiment of wisdom. She is placed at the busiest locations of our lives “On the heights, at the crossroads she takes her stand, beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out…”(8:2-3)
According to Sr. Joyce Rupp, “The Book of Wisdom describes Sophia guiding the Exodus people through the wilderness: ‘She led them by a marvelous road. She herself was their shelter by day and their starlight through the night.’ (Wis. 10:17).*
Throughout our days we are offered opportunities to be led by our own impulsiveness and proclivities, or by God’s wisdom. Our thoughts manifest into speech and actions that impact of course our own lives, but also the lives of those around us. Wisdom teaches that those who seek her presence and guidance will have riches greater than any material gain.
How might Wisdom be calling to you in your life now? Where are you seeking, or would you be prudent to be seeking, holy guidance as you choose a way forward in your life?
I offer this prayer as a reminder that God’s Divine Wisdom-Sophia is near and beckoning us to call her closer as we discern our days.
Holy Wisdom, Sophia
I pause in this moment, aware of my desire to live in accordance to God’s will.
I seek to honor the gift of life that I have been given.
I seek to honor the lives of those around me.
It is easy for me to be distracted by the shininess of the imitation gems of attention, control, and material wealth.
I pause in this moment, acknowledging your presence,
beckoning me to the richness of living with integrity, honesty, courage,
humility, joy, and compassion.
Guide my thoughts, speech, and actions this day,
that I might live in you,
and you in me.
Amen.
One way to strengthen our relationship with Wisdom is to go away on retreat. If you are interested in joining me along with a small group of fellow pilgrims for a retreat "Were Not Our Hearts Burning?" with Fr. Vincent Pizzuto at St. Columba's in Inverness, CA September 24-29, 2024, Please email me for information.
Grace and Peace,
Mary Bea+
* Joyce Rupp, https://uscatholic.org/articles/201601/desperately-seeking-sophia/.
Question for Reflection:
Where is God calling you to pause and discern a wise path forward?