The book of Sirach is one of the wisdom books in the bible. By its definition, wisdom is:
1.
a) the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships [insight], b) good sense [judgment], c) generally accepted belief, d) accumulated philosophical or scientific learning [knowledge].
2.
a wise attitude, belief, or course of action
3.
the teachings of the ancient wise men. (Merriam-Webster)
My pastor has said (and written about this many times), Wisdom is the comprehension of God and all things divine insofar as is humanly possible, allowing us to love as God loves. “Loving Spirit, you created us out of love so that we might live in your love always. Help me to seek and find you.”
Prudence is the ability to see reality objectively. The virtue then allows us to judge correctly what is right and what is wrong in any given situation. (Psalm 25:4-5) Fr. Jim Chelich
As I was praying with the first reading I got caught and stopped many a time, each effort either misreading or not understanding what was there. I absolutely read something totally different than the printed words or was so distracted by the environment around me that nothing made sense and I was lost. I could not see where I was going.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this about wisdom [prudence].
1806 Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; ‘the prudent man looks where he is going.” (Prov 14:15) “Keep sane and sober for your prayers.” (1 Pet 4:7) Prudence is “right reason in action,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle. (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh II, 47,2)… It is called the auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with his judgment. With the help of this virtue, we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.
I have to be mindful of and in my own doings and not be like the disciples when they tried to stop someone else from doing good work because “he does not follow us.” Jesus is very direct. “There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” Mk 9:39-40
Keeping my focus on the work the Lord has for me instead of what I think needs doing (aka CONTROL), is what I need to surrender. A truth rang through me when I came across this quote from Sr. Ilia Delio. She said, “Our Greatest sin in the modern age is to forget what we are by nature and what we are capable of becoming by grace,” Ilia Delio
May this search for His grace be our quest today. “Loving Spirit, you created us out of love so that we might live in your love always. Help me to seek and find you.”
Beth is part of the customer service team at Diocesan. She brings a unique depth of experience to the team from her time spent in parish ministries, sales and the service industry over the last 25 yrs. She is a practicing spiritual director as well as a Secular Franciscan (OFS). Beth is quick to offer a laugh, a prayer or smile to all she comes in contact with. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
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