In Praise of Wisdom
Wisdom 6:12 to 16 begins by telling us how valuable the gift of wisdom is. Wisdom is “resplendent and unfading,” the “perfection of prudence” that “frees us from care.”
She (wisdom) is not some unattainable treasure. But she doesn’t come free: we have to do our part. She is “found by those who seek her.” She “makes herself known” to those who “desire” her and those who “watch for her at dawn” will “not be disappointed.” For her sake we need to “keep vigil.’ If we do, she will appear to us and meet us.
In other words, wisdom is as available as prayer. If we pray, we will find her. If we find her, we will pray. The only question is, “Do we want her?” To want wisdom is wisdom already. If we pray, this will be given to us.
Light and Fire
The Responsorial (Psalm 63) is the cry of a wise heart: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” Matthew 25: 1-13 tells us what keeps this thirst alive and focused. It is prayer.
The fire of the bridesmaids’ torches is wisdom. The oil that fuels it is prayer. Without prayer, our torches go out.
Fire gives both light and heat, and both are images of wisdom. St. Thomas defines wisdom in two ways which really say the same thing:
- Wisdom is the habit of seeing everything in the light of our last end: flame as light.
- And wisdom is the “taste” or desire for God and spiritual things: flame as fire or fervor. (Wisdom in Latin is sapientia, from the same root as sapor or “savor” that arouses appetite).
As light, wisdom keeps our minds focused on the bridegroom, intent on the “wedding banquet of the Lamb,” our final end. As fire, wisdom keeps our hearts aflame with longing for the wedding feast and for union with the bridegroom, who is the “bread,” the essential joy of the banquet. Prayer is an exercise of mind and will, both united in a single focus and longing of our heart. Prayer is the oil that keeps the flame of wisdom shining and burning in our lives. Through prayer, we enter into and remain in wisdom. Wisdom gives us both direction and desire: the goal that sets our course and energy to pursue it.
This parable puts us into the perspective of the “end time.” “Keep your eyes open, for you know not the day or the hour.” Jesus is speaking primarily of the Parousia, from the Greek par-eimi, to “be there.” It can mean “presence” or “coming.” In Scripture, it refers essentially to the Lord’s coming, the arrival or “advent” of the Day of the Lord, Christ’s return in glory, that we look forward to during the Rite of Communion at Mass, “as we await our blessed hope, the coming (adventum) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Jesus, in this parable, is telling us to let the light of wisdom keep us always aware of and longing for his coming — both at the end of the world and when he comes to us through inspirations and desires of our heart. (See Xavier Léon-Dufour, Dictionary of the New Testament.)
Jesus told this parable in the context of urging us to faithful stewardship.
You must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household…? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. (Matthew 24: 44-47. See also Matthew 25: 14-29; Luke 12:42-46; Revelation 3: 1-3.)
The Responsorial (Psalm 63) is the cry of a wise heart: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”
Prayer Prompt: What does the word “wisdom” mean to me? Is there a difference between “worldly wisdom” or being “street wise” (on whatever social or professional street) and “spiritual” wisdom? What makes one different from the other?
Adopt the ancient motto: “Respice finem” — “Look to the end.” Say it often.
— Fr. David M. Knight
View today’s Mass readings, Lectionary #154, 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.
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