“We speak God’s wisdom”
It is the mission of the church and the Lord’s disciples to continue the mandate of St. Paul in today’s reading from 1 Corinthians. We know that, especially today, we must not only speak God’s wisdom but speak it wisely, well and with charity; so that God’s wisdom not be diluted or contradicted.
Speak wisely – As faithful and missionary disciples, we must be smart. That does not mean that we all need degrees in Theology and Sacred Scripture, but it means we are obligated to be informed. Reading the scriptures in their whole context, praying with them and sharing our reflections with the Lord and others, are important ways that we prepare ourselves to speak God’s wisdom wisely. In addition, we should look for opportunities to grow in our faith through adult faith formation courses available in person or online. We can take the time to do spiritual reading, particularly stories of the lives of the saints. Most importantly, we should ask questions. In recent years, the phrase “fake news” entered the lexicon of American discourse, but as church, we have been wrestling with this issue for a long time. Whether it be the secular media misrepresenting or incorrectly interpreting statements from Popes and Bishops or factions within the church spreading falsehoods, we need to inform ourselves of accuracy before perpetuating “untruths.”
Speak well – It’s important to be attentive to a method that doesn’t work well; specifically, anonymity. I’ve been advised to heed the axiom “unsigned = unsent” regarding anonymous communication. As much as I try to keep that in mind, it’s not easy. Sometimes I receive a great suggestion or a helpful critique but because of anonymity, I don’t have the opportunity to express gratitude. Other times I wish I could answer a genuine question or correct a misconception, but I have no means to do so. Most importantly, in my humanity, I make errors for which I wish to apologize but anonymity deprives me of that chance.
Speak with Charity – In addition to anonymity being an incomplete way to speak God’s wisdom well, it can also be hurtful and contradictory to our desire to speak God’s wisdom. When disciples use their speech to utter foul or bigoted language or when they spread rumors, gossip, belittle or deliberately hurt others, the ability to speak God’s truth and wisdom loses its power and effectiveness.
The Lord has given us “Good News” to proclaim. Let’s do it wisely, well and charitably.
LENT BEGINS THIS WEEK – The Ash Wednesday schedule can be found elsewhere in today’s bulletin. You can also find a detailed account of parish Lenten activities at https://tinyurl.com/SROL-LENT26. This week’s bulletin also contains information about our parish Lenten retreat which will be offered by my friend Fr. Roger Lopez, OFM beginning the weekend of February 28 and March 1, and continuing Monday to Wednesday, March 2, 3, 4.
TIME TO PLAN – As I have previously mentioned, this Fall we will begin our yearlong celebration leading up to our parish’s 75th anniversary in November of 2027. Our Silver Jubilee will be a graceful time for us to look back with gratitude, celebrate the good work the Lord is doing within us today, and discern where God is calling us.
I am, therefore, inviting all parishioners, young and old, to join me in a brainstorming meeting to imagine and plan what our jubilee year will look like. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm in the Rectory Meeting Room.
Thank you for saving the date. I look forward to hearing from you that evening.
Peace!
