Breaking the Word

32^nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 16^th November 2023 – Wisdom 7,22-8,1; Lk 17,20-25

Unchanging Transformer

The first reading describes both the nature and origin of wisdom. It begins by listing twenty-one attributes of wisdom (three sets of seven each, seven for perfection and three for divinity). It is in the thinking of the time, the most perfect of perfect numbers. The 21 attributes are set out as follows: intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing and penetrating through all spirits that are intelligent, pure, and altogether subtle. When we are possessed by true wisdom we are already in touch with God, with His power which is His love and goodness.  There is a loftiness and exclusiveness about wisdom, for she is unique. Though herself unchanging and unchangeable, she changes the world through her insight and unending creativity. In generation after generation, she has passed into the lives of good people, making them “friends of God and prophets”. In the Old Testament such friends were Abraham and Moses. Jesus, as the Son of God, called his disciples as friends. Prophets include not only the great prophets and inspired scribes, but all those who live a holy life and intimacy with God, penetrate into the knowledge of his will and his mysteries. Among these will be the many outstanding spiritual and theological writers and preachers who have given new insights into living with God and for God.  With the gain of wisdom, they have become an agent of transformation.

32^nd Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 14^th November 2023 — Gospel: Lk 17,7-10

Servant Minded Identity

There is a difference between being a slave and being a servant. The former is imposed upon a person at the expense of one’s free choice. The latter can be a disposition of chosen service. It is a matter of attitude, a matter of heart. Jesus invites us to understand our role, not to lower our self-esteem to the point of quitting ourselves. This seems like a countercultural attitude, but the essence of the message is that we give what we have received. We participate in the work of our Creator and Redeemer. The great work of God is recapitulation: a bringing of all things under the reign of God. To effect this requires living in the truth, a humble standing in our true identity. We are God’s creation, made his children by baptism, and gifted to be able to participate in his life and work in this world. To do this, we seek to serve in a way that gives glory to God and assures that he reigns in the hearts of all.