Deacon Tom Writes,
“Decision Time.”
Not surprisingly, the Wisdom passage we read today gives us good, sound
advice, a “word to the wise”, you
might say. It tells us, “to forsake
foolishness that you may live” and “to
advance in the way of understanding”. Surely this is practical advice, yet
easier said than done! St. Paul carries this theme even further in his letter
to the Ephesians telling them, “to watch
carefully how you live, not as foolish persons, but as wise, making the most of
the opportunity, because the days are evil”.
Scripture often portrays this theme that there are two very different
approaches to life. On one hand, we have the way of the wise and virtuous
person who chooses to do what is right and just. The other is the way of the
fool, whose life is anything but virtuous. The author of this wisdom passage
encourages us to choose wisely and make the most of the opportunity we have been
given.
Wisdom, we are told, enables us to grow in understanding so that we
make the most of every opportunity. What a thought! Choices lead to results
that have good or bad outcomes. In other words, Wisdom holds the secret to the
quality of our life. Good decisions, good outcomes, good life. Bad choices...
we know too well, from our own experiences, perhaps, where that path leads,
don’t we?
Many today complain that our world is troubled and they fear that it
will get worse. We have problems, to be sure. But fear and worry will do little
to change that. On the other hand, Wisdom invites us today to embrace her and
follow her advice to make most of the
opportunity that we have been given. What opportunity? The opportunity, “to live in a manner worthy of the calling
you have received”. (Eph 4:1) Yes, we live in troubled times; yes, there
are plenty of problems, so much divisiveness, and the lack of civility. How are
we to respond? By relying on Wisdom to lead us through these troubled waters
and direct our efforts so we can help make this world a better place and
advance the Kingdom of God on earth.
Scripture proclaims a “word to the wise” today. May God give us the
grace and the wisdom to listen.
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
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