Love justice, you who judge the earth;
think of the Lord in goodness,
and seek him in integrity of heart;
Because he is found by those who test him not,
and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him.
The Catholic Church, true to the tradition of the patristic bishops, has always cherished wisdom. There can be no contradiction in the truth whether it is theological or scientific. If there appears to be a contradiction, we give the discussion time and wait for the reconciliation to appear.
When, for instance, scientists discovered the amazing potential of stem cells in aborted fetuses, they suppose they had found a gold mine of healing opportunities. Some argued that much good will come from the evil of abortion. But the Church could not support the exploitation of defenseless human beings and urged further research. Within a short time, the healing arts discovered stem cells in full grown adults, and more ethical, efficient ways to harvest and use these cells were developed.
Evil means cannot lead to good results. Wisdom and justice know that.
In our quest to live peacefully in this world, with the freedom to worship God as we should, we must know, love, and serve justice. And that begins, of course, with worship, praise, glory, and thanks to God. As we say at every Mass, "It is just and right!"
Giving thanks to God is our privilege and delight. It is right that we should do so for that is why we're created, redeemed, and glorified. That is why our life in God is good, that we might give back to God as we have received from God.
The Book of Wisdom is acutely aware of the cynicism that tests and disbelieves God. This attitude which would be perfect by avoiding dangers, traps, pitfalls, and mistakes must end in disappointment. Aspiring to nothing but mediocrity, it never surrenders to the thrill of knowing, loving, and worshiping the Lord.
God's people live in the continual risk of happiness and gratitude, and when disappointed they turn back to the Lord with all the more confidence. God's spirit will never abandon those who let themselves love.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.