Wisdom 7: 7-10, 15-16
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me;
I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepters and thrones,
and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.
Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem,
because all gold is but a little sand in her sight,
and silver will be accounted as clay before her.
I loved her more than health and beauty,
and I chose to have her rather than light,
because her radiance never ceases.
May God grant me to speak with judgment,
and to have thoughts worthy of what I have received;
for he is the guide even of wisdom
and the corrector of the wise.
For both we and our words are in his hand,
as are all understanding and skill in crafts.
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.
Spirit of Wisdom
I hate being wrong and being bad at things. I hold myself to unreasonable expectations, a pattern which yields significant stress and self-imposed suffering.
Taken to extremes, this leads to both obsessive striving and why bother?! resignation. It prevents authentic connection and inhibits delight. It becomes idolatry when my own ego takes center stage rather than God.
This selection from the Book of Wisdom, told from the perspective of King Solomon, offers an alternative. “All understanding and skill in crafts” comes in the context of relationship, not self-sufficiency. It is given, not manufactured. I am a co-creator with God, not the Creator.
I call to mind an area of life where my fear or expectations are an obstacle. I ask how God sees this. I pray for understanding and the spirit of wisdom. I ask for guidance and judgment in my thoughts, words, and actions.
—Lauren Hackman-Brooks is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator and writer who currently serves as the director of mission formation for the Jesuit Schools Network of North America.
Prayer
O Lord,
You blessed St. Robert Bellarmine with great wisdom and learning.
May we, like him, use well the double gifts of faith and reason.
May we grow in understanding our faith, diligence in living it,
compassion in our service toward those in need,
and in all things, grow toward ever-greater love of You.
Through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
—Prayer for the intercession of St. Robert Bellarmine