Jesus is sometimes called “Wisdom incarnate.” Wisdom 7:22 to 8:1 paints a picture of how beautiful Wisdom is, appearing in him. If we open our eyes, we will also see it in the Church, in each other, because Jesus is in us. His Wisdom, “passing into holy souls from age to age, produces friends of God and prophets.” We just need to give it time.  

“Compared to light, wisdom takes precedence,” because “night supplants” sunlight, but “wickedness prevails not over Wisdom. Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.” Wait for the “end time.”  

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9-2). 

We don’t need to just wait. We can see a preview of the “end time” during the Rite of Communion, if we open our eyes. Or better, if we close them after receiving Communion and see with the eyes of faith what surrounds us.  

Everyone present has received Jesus. In each one, his Wisdom “penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. For she is an aura of the might of God.” This aura surrounds all in whom Christ dwells. His Wisdom “can do all things and renew everything.” It is happening in us all. In God’s eyes, God’s time, it is already complete. He sees, and we must see with his eyes, all present as perfect as they will be at the “marriage feast of the Lamb.”  

In Luke 17:20-25, Jesus warns us not to try to figure out the timetable. “You cannot tell by careful watching when the reign of God will come.” If we have eyes to see, he says, “The reign of God is already in your midst.”  

We are sent to establish God’s reign visibly, here and now, on this earth. To bring every area of human life and activity under the reign of his truth and love. That can show visibly. But the essence of his reign is invisible. It exists wherever anyone’s mind is enlightened by the gift of faith; anyone’s desires are focused by the gift of hope; anyone’s will is surrendered to God’s will in love. The reign of God exists wherever people have surrendered to him.  

When that surrender is complete in every single one of the redeemed, in all who have accepted “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” which is the “favor of sharing in the divine life of God,” then Christ will come again. Then we who are “awaiting our blessed hope, the appearance [coming, adventum] of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” will see our faith confirmed, our hope fulfilled, and Christ’s love made perfect in all the members of his body on earth. That is the Parousia (Titus 2:13, mistranslated in the liturgy as “the blessed hope and the coming [instead of ‘manifestation’] of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Parousia is defined in Sunday’s reflection above). 

Then the whole world will acknowledge in the words of the Responsorial (Psalm 119): “Your word is forever, O Lord.” 

Communion should help us to love. 

Action: Pay attention during Communion. See what is visible and invisible.  

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings, Lectionary #494, on the USCCB website here

Fr. David M. Knight (1931-2021) was a priest of the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee, a prolific writer, and a highly sought after confessor, spiritual director, and retreat master. He authored more than 40 books and hundreds of articles that focus primarily on lay spirituality and life-long spiritual growth.