May 20, 2013

Sirach 1: 1-10

All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity—who can count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom—who can search them out? Wisdom was created before all other things, and prudent understanding from eternity. The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed? Her subtleties—who knows them? There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared, seated upon his throne—the Lord. It is he who created her; he saw her and took her measure; he poured her out upon all his works, upon all the living according to his gift; he lavished her upon those who love him New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved (http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations

Wisdom and Trust

A colleague shared this about his 25-year old daughter. Despite her many gifts and talents, including having just completed a Master’s degree Summa Cum Laude, she was frantic and unsettled about which law school to attend. And she had just been accepted to three top-tier law schools. With a shared sigh, and then a shared laugh, we both understood the wisdom that comes with the perspective of age.  We spoke about our own experiences of decision-making as 25 year olds and how they were fraught with anxious importance over what was to be decided.  We heartily agreed that we both are quite happy now, grateful to live in our current stage of life – the mid-50’s. Our comments were steeped in appreciation for the ways so many life experiences give wisdom to our understanding.  This wisdom brings us patience, perspective, and trust—not just in ourselves or through a life that is mostly good, but trust that God will bring about the fulfillment that we most need – despite our lack of immediate security and certainty. What kernel of the Lord’s wisdom can I treasure throughout this day? —Fr. Glen Chun, S.J. is minister of the Loyola University Jesuit Community, Chicago, and also serves on the vocations staff for the Chicago-Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus

Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. --The Serenity Prayer, Reinhold Niebuhr
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