Scripture reflection for May 19, 2008

Scripture: Monday, May 19th, 2008. James 3:13-18. Psalm 19:8-10,15. Mark
9:14-29. Lectionary # 341.

James continues to urge us to be open to the Spirit of Wisdom. His
sermonettes bring together the other virtues under this great gift of the
Spirit. In the deutero-canonical writing of Sirach we find that Wisdom
contains many virtures and outstanding qualities. James seems to be
following the same train of thought in his very down to earth letter to
Christian Jews. James enumerates some six or seven qualities or effects
that wisdom has. We are encouraged then to practice this gift from the
Spirit. "The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate
peace."
In Mark we find Jesus healing a man who is possessed. He needs,
however, to confront the curiosity, amazement, and lack of faith in the
crowd, in his disciples, and even in the father of the possessed. The
latter, however, comes to faith by expressing his deep concern for his son,
"I do believe! Help my lack of trust." Jesus is constantly moving his
listeners to have such trust in him, but throughout the Gospel almost
everyone except the women are dull and lacking in wisdom. When asked why
they disciples could not perform this healing, Jesus tells them, "This kind
you can drive out only by prayer." We perk up and listen whenever prayer
is mentioned in Mark for it is not often that we do hear of it as compared
with Luke, Matthew, and John. It could be that Mark focuses more on the
actions and miracles of Jesus than the other writers, but when he does
mention prayer we had better listen!
We are called to be people of God's wisdom like Sirach and St. James.
When we pray and do the works of justice and peace we do experience the
effects of the Spirit of wisdom. Virtues and good behavior are part of the
gift of wisdom. It is an excellent virtue for ministers of the word, for
those in health professions and counsellors, spiritual directors and
mentors. We can calm ourselves through wisdom and prayer and then we are
able to heal others with sound advice or consoling words when needed by
someone who is in pain or loss. Strife and jealousy are removed as James
tells us and we are guided into the peace of God. We pray then with the
last verse of today's responsorial psalm:
"Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor
before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Amen.