Sunday, November 12, 2023

Taking Thought of Wisdom

 

PAVILION - CONSTRUCTION
November 12, 2021



Taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, 
and whoever for her sake keeps vigil 
shall quickly be free from care.
WISDOM 6:15


Wisdom is a multifaceted concept with various definitions. Here are a few interpretations: Merriam-Webster defines wisdom as the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships, good sense, judgment, generally accepted belief, and accumulated philosophical or scientific learning. Wikipedia describes wisdom, sapience, or sagacity as the ability to contemplate and act productively using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Wisdom is associated with attributes such as unbiased judgment, compassion, experiential self-knowledge, self-transcendence, and non-attachment, and virtues such as ethics and benevolence. 

Britannica Dictionary suggests that wisdom is knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life; it is the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand. Collins English Dictionary and Dictionary.com both define wisdom as the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. 

In essence, wisdom is often seen as the application of knowledge and experience with good judgment and a deep understanding of people, things, events, or situations, resulting in the ability to choose or act to consistently produce the optimum outcomes. (Microsoft Bing)

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate. For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care; because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and meets them with all solicitude. (Wisdom 6:12-16)

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But He said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

O God, You are my God whom I seek; for You my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. Thus have I gazed toward You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory, for Your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify You. Thus will I bless You while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon Your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise You. I will remember You upon my couch, and through the night watches I will meditate on You: You are my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I shout for joy. (Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8)





Pericope:

I: Reward of Justice
EXHORTATION TO SEEK WISDOM
Wisdom 6:1-21

VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS
Matthew 25:1-13

III: Specific Exhortations
HOPE FOR THE CHRISTIAN DEAD
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Second Book of Psalms 42-72
ARDENT LONGING FOR GOD
Psalm 63:1-12