Saturday in Eighth Week of Ordinary Time, June 2, 2007

Scripture: Sirach 51:12-20. Psalm 19. Mark 11:27-33. Lectionary # 352:

Wisdom continues to be the theme that our readings offer us for the
Eucharist and for our personal reflection on the Scriptures. Even the
Psalm response and its contents stem from a Wisdom poet. It made me think
of many of the students on the campus where I have an office. They hurry
in the morning to early classes, often work together in study groups, or
gather as a group in the library. All are in search of their profession
which necessitates their pursuing education in specific fields as well as
selective courses which they choose to round out their intellectual goals.
Most of them are quite serious about their studies because of the cost,
their parents' concern, and their own desire to succeed in life. It all is
quite impressive. They have already acquired a "second language" by their
skill on the internet and their communication with cell phones. Sometimes
I have a chance to catch one who has a little bit of time to share with me
and I am amazed at their wanting to learn, lead, and serve. The reading
from Ben Sira led me to think about these young people who too like the
author are steeped in pursuing wisdom. He did this within the context of
the Torah, the Temple, and his own experience as a teacher and a learner.
The entire book reflects his life as an educator. Some of his thoughts are
quite relevant even for us the readers and listeners; moreover, in a
church-context they are inspired words which are helpful in preparation for
the sacrament of the Eucharist each day. I like the Wisdom Psalm 19 as the
response to what Sira was telling us today. The Psalm confirms his and our
desire to pursue wisdom that comes from our Creator and loving God. We are
led to keep the precepts and to enjoy the Scriptures. The response
motivates our thought for this day, "The precepts of the Lord give joy to
the heart."
The wisdom of Jesus shines forth in the Gospel of Mark as he handles the
questions about his authority with his own questions to his jealous
inquisitors. He directs them to the prophetic precursor John the Baptist
and they are silenced; he need not, therefore, answer their questions about
the origin of his own authority. Jesus like Sira taught and acted in
conformity with the 613 precepts of the Torah which is the word of God in
wisdom clothing. Under the guidance of the Spirit of Wisdom, Jesus can
pray with Psalm 19," The decrees of the Lord are sure making wise the
simple. Amen."