Do you think you're wise? I know there are days where I think I know a lot of things, in terms of work, my life plan, what's happening with music. Though as much as we think we're right and that we know so many things, there is always more to consider, always someone who knows more. Think about archaeological digs for ancient civilizations. As much as we think we have all of the historical facts and evidence about how they lived, we're always uncovering more and more. This not only teaches us about the history and Understanding of people living in ancient times, but helps us to progress as well, taking further steps in medicine and digging deeper into theological truth. Do you think you are an expert in a certain subject, or is there perhaps more that God is trying to teach you?
Today's Gospel states:'For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be Liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny' (Matthew 5:20-26).
Today's Gospel talks about how the people could never know or enter the Kingdom of heaven if they followed the wisdom of earthly men alone. Looking at the fact that Jesus was a man, God in human form, and we take his teachings seriously, as God's Son, there is some leeway for listening to earthly wisdom. However, God is all-knowing and knew us before we were born, and knows the exact moment when we will return to Him again, and we cannot try to comprehend the things that only God could know and understand. Take some time to think of areas in your life where you may be proud in terms of your knowledge and understanding, and take a step back. Ask God to help you continue to learn more about our earthly journey and to focus on understanding and taking in the present moment.
Today's prayer comes from 'lessons learned' a prayer for daily learning and growth:
O God, perfect us in love, that we may conquer all selfishness and hatred of others; fill our hearts with Thy joy, and shed abroad in them Thy peace which passeth understanding; that so those murmurings and disputings to which we are too prone may be overcome. Make us long-suffering and gentle, and thus subdue our hastiness and angry tempers, and grant that we may bring forth the blessed fruits of the Spirit, to Thy praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
