4 September 2022 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

For who can learn the counsel of God?
Or who can discern what the Lord wills?
For the reasoning of mortals is worthless,
and our designs are likely to fail;
for a perishable body weighs down the soul,
and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind.

From Wisdom 9:13-18, NRSV

In today’s first reading we hear words from a prayer attributed to King Solomon. We may be familiar with the legendary “wisdom of Solomon” and yet Solomon realises that heavenly Wisdom far surpasses earthly wisdom and that knowledge of what God’s wills is beyond the ability of humans to fully know. These words were written at a time of great progress in the discipline of philosophy and were perhaps a timely reminder that human wisdom had its limits. In our age of great scientific advancement they are also perhaps a reminder that human understanding will never surpass that of God. This is not to diminish human understanding and achievements but to recognise in humility that there will always be more for us to learn, discover and appreciate.

• • What do you think it means to be wise?
  • What can we do to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God?

Pray today for the wisdom to discern God’s purpose for you and the courage to act on this.