ALL: Hope y'all had a good weekend. Mine was great, but little Hannah has another cold and ear infection. I guess she never did really get over the first one. Prayers would be appreciated (mostly for her tired, frustrated mommy).
| Monday, November 12, 2001 Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr - Memorial |
||
|
And from The Word Among Us ...
The Book of Wisdom, which was written around the first century b.c., had the purpose of encouraging its readers to take pride in their faith. The author, a skilled motivational writer, is unknown, but his use of earlier Old Testament writings shows that he was a pious Jew, well educated and dedicated to the Mosaic law. He wrote in Greek and was familiar with Greek ideas, and he gave special attention to Egyptians (Wisdom 10-12; 16-19).
All these clues have led scholars to believe that the author of Wisdom lived in Alexandria, Egypt, which was then home to the largest Jewish community outside Palestine. In this large, cosmopolitan city, Jews often experienced discrimination and needed encouragement to hold fast to their traditions. Some were lured away by Greek philosophy and culture. To all his readers, the author said: Don't be deceived! If you seek truth and justice, then "think of the Lord . . . and seek him" (Wisdom 1:1).
This is Wisdom's message to us as well. As believers, we know that Jesus is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). To belong to Jesus and walk in his way is to possess wisdom. If we remain united to him, he will give us his heart and form our thoughts to see things as he does. Then we can embrace what Jesus embraces and cast aside what he casts aside.
Do you want to be wise? Then love God and love your neighbor. Filter out the distractions that draw you away from Jesus. Reject the world's empty promises and fill your mind instead with the great things God can bring about through your mustard-seed faith (Luke 17:6). Put aside any "perverse thoughts" that separate you from God (Wisdom 1:3) and receive his teachings about loving others with justice, mercy, and forgiveness. Follow his lead by depending on the Father and aiming to please him. Live simply, in imitation of Jesus. It's a lifestyle that's stimulating, freeing--and wise.
"Jesus, Wisdom of the Father, you came to save and free us. Fashion my heart to be wise like yours, and fixed on the simplicity of life."
--------------------
Have a good day, everybody!