In today’s world, we value intelligence, initiative, hard work, talent, appearance, popularity, power, and money. Now these are not bad things as long as we use them for good. However, more important than all these things is wisdom. The Book of Sirach says, “Immense is the wisdom of the Lord.” (Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37) St. Paul tells us that “God has revealed this wisdom to us through the Spirit.” The wise man or woman knows “what God has prepared for those who love him” even if “eye has not seen, ear has not heard.” Knowing the infinite love, power, and mercy, the wise person realizes that true lasting happiness and joy can be found only in God. Jesus and Sirach both say the key to wisdom is found in God’s commandments. However, Jesus goes further and reminds us that commandments without the spirit behind them is not enough. The Pharisees kept the commandments, but didn’t have the right attitude. That attitude is the attitude of love of neighbor as well as love of God. That will bring us the holiness we need to enter the kingdom of God.
- Fr. Carl
“The future of humanity passes by way of the family.”
~Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 86
