7th Week, Wednesday, Feb 26th
Wisdom
instructs her children; She
reveals profound secrets.
Sirach 4:11-19
We
sometimes forget that there's a big difference between information, knowledge,
and wisdom. Information enables us to look up at the stars and name them.
Knowledge enables us to look up at the stars and use them to chart a course at
sea. Wisdom enables us to look up at the stars and use them as
"windows" to the infinite intelligence that created them. This is the
kind of thing the Book of Sirach is talking about in today's reading. It's
talking about something far beyond what this world considers to be
"wisdom." It's talking about something that has to do with ultimate
happiness and human fulfillment.
***
Do we
sometimes forget that people without college degrees can possess something
infinitely better: the wisdom that only God can give? "Jesus] grew and
became strong, filled with wisdom." Luke 2:40
***
Introduction
Year I: The search for wisdom, says Ben Sirach,
must be one of the main tasks of a person, for this search is a sign that one
loves life. But God is a part of this search for God blesses those who seek
wisdom.
Gospel: “He or she is not one of
us” becomes easily an excuse for denying or belittling the good done by others,
especially if they are not Catholics. Remember how before Vatican II the Church
spoke of Protestants, communists, and socialists... Even today there is a
certain hesitancy to recognize the good done by people “who do not belong.” And
Vatican II asked us not to think merely of our inner Church interests, for it
gave us the pastoral document on The Church in the Modern World. Jesus
appreciated whatever good done by anyone, whether belonging to the group or
not.
***
Opening Prayer
Our Father in heaven, you let the sun shine and the
rain come down on good and bad alike. Keep us from classifying people and
issuing condemnations lightly. May we rather learn from your Son to appreciate
the good done by anyone, whether one of us in the Church or not, and to be
united with anyone
who seeks truth, peace and justice. For these are the
works of the Holy Spirit of you, our Father, and of your Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Intercessions
– For the Church we love, that it may
bring forgiveness and love to all, welcome all, care for all, inspire all with
the gentle power of the Holy Spirit, we pray:
– For lawmakers, that the Spirit may
prompt them to make good laws that are fair to all, we pray:
– For outcasts and victims of
discrimination, that our communities may accept them fully and make our love so
spontaneous and warm that they feel accepted, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God, your Son ate with sinners and tax
collectors while the devout people of his time blamed both him and the weak. Accept
us at his table and teach us not to exclude anyone with a “holier-than-you”
attitude. Do not allow us to condemn those who are different or act differently
but make us accept them as you accept us through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
God our Father, you have given us the privilege to
hear the word of your Son and to share his table, not because we are better
than others but simply because you are good. Do not allow us to become hard or
to look down with pride on others but keep reminding us that we are in constant
need of conversion through Jesus Christ our Lord
Blessing
We should learn to appreciate whatever good is done by
whatever person. The Spirit inspires many people to do good in a variety of
ways. Good for them! May almighty God bless them and you, the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Spirit.
***
26
February 2025; Mark 9:38-40; Called to Do Good
In today’s
Gospel, Jesus rebukes His disciples for their narrow mindset. They believe that
only those who belong to their group can do good, but Jesus corrects them,
saying, “Do not prevent him” (Mk 9:39). He reminds them that goodness is not
limited to a select few—anyone who does good is part of God’s work. The Gospel
challenges us to break down barriers and recognise that God’s grace is at work
in all people, even those outside our faith or understanding.
Often,
like the disciples, we fall into the trap of exclusivity, believing that truth
and goodness belong only to those who share our beliefs. But Jesus broadens our
horizons. He calls us to an attitude of openness, mercy, and humility,
recognising that every person is created in God’s image and called to do good.
When we exclude others, we create division and conflict. Worse still, history
has shown how dangerous it is when people believe they have the right to judge
or even harm others in God’s name. Jesus teaches us that such attitudes
contradict the very essence of the Gospel.
As
Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we are invited to build bridges, not
walls. We are called to see Christ in every person, regardless of their
background, and to work together for the common good. Let us not be an obstacle
to others but instead be witnesses of love, unity, and peace. Lord, open our
hearts to see Your presence in all people. Help us to do good without seeking
recognition, to love without boundaries, and to walk humbly as Pilgrims of
Hope. Amen!
