In the ALPHA retreat this past weekend, we were discussing the gifts of the Holy Spirit that Paul wrote about in his first letter to the Corinthians. Paul mentioned wisdom as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I asked the ALPHA participants at my table how they would divine wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to discern what is right and good. Another saw wisdom as the ability to see the world through the eyes of God, the creator of all that is good.
Sirach illustrates the role of wisdom in the lives of those who seek her. According to Sirach, wisdom is to be received and acted upon in those who love her. Wisdom is seen as practical and down to earth.
As individuals we are called to pray for wisdom. As a community, we are called to do the same. What goes against wisdom?: prejudice, malice, rash judgment, gossip, arrogance, and sarcasm. In praying for wisdom, we pray for patience, tolerance, transparency, and fortitude. We are called to listen and dialogue with others, not just to speak our own minds. We need to be with Christ, or else we are against him.
Let us pray to the Holy Spirit today for the gift of wisdom. We are called to pray for wisdom each day. It is a constant process. Wisdom, ultimately a gift from God. A gift of his grace. An extraordinary gift.
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