February 12
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!”
Readings
Reflection
Today we hear about true wisdom. Jesus instructs his disciples that the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven demand that we obtain true wisdom, which prompts us to choose the right course of action in every situation, therefore the definition of true wisdom offered today in Sacred Scripture is markedly different from the definition of wisdom that society gives.
Before we can understand true wisdom as defined by Scripture, we need to understand that the Jewish apocalyptic worldview shared a similar point of view with Gnosticism. Both believed that there was secret knowledge that God withheld from people during their life. God would reveal these mysteries when the individual entered the heavenly world; therefore, God did not intend true wisdom for use in this world, but only in the next.
In refutation of this belief, St. Paul states that God may have hidden these mysteries in the past but now, in this current age, has revealed them through Christ. Christ has revealed these mysteries for all to see and understand through faithful following of the teachings of Christ. Many thought that Christ had come to abolish the Law, but instead, Christ came to teach us how to understand and respect the law, in other words, to fulfill it. It is our responsibility as Disciples of Christ to recognize and follow the law, while using the gift of wisdom to ensure that the law does not become injurious to those who are less advantaged, or vulnerable in society. May we always use true wisdom as we interpret the law for the benefit of those most in need!
Peace,
Fr. John
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