Feast of Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Let no one deceive himself.
If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age,
let him become a fool, so as to become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God...

As I understand, in the Greek language of the New Testament, the word for wisdom included not only the sage advice of travelling philosophers and beloved grandmothers. Clever fisherman and skillful carpenters were also wise, as were gifted rulers, effective healers, spellbinding orators, and skywatching seers. Each had dedicated time and energy to their craft. 

But despite all their ability and zeal, wisdom was still regarded as God's gift; it wasn't won simply by hard work and native talent. Because God is the original wise artist, builder, and healer, he anticipates the movements of air, water, and shifting land. Living things cannot surprise God their creator. He knows where fish hide in the sea, when clouds of locusts will infest the land, and empires will swallow up nearby kingdoms. 

In his mercy, the Lord bestows wisdom on those he chooses; and with the gift of his Law, he especially blessed his chosen people. They know his principles of justice and mercy; and they practice those principles when they deal with one another, with strangers, allies, and enemies. They are blessed to know the form of worship which he desires; and they are envied for their zealous love of the One True God.

Saint Paul brought an entirely unexpected insight to the discussion as he found wisdom in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. That seemed to the clever (the Greeks) beyond comprehension; and to the devout (Jews), blasphemous. To this day we struggle to comprehend the cross; and, with a vague grasp of its healing, liberating power, to communicate that wisdom to others. 

By our daily prayer and continual worship, Catholics contemplate the cross especially Sacrifice of the Mass. The Eucharist of Holy Thursday means nothing if we do not eat the flesh and drink the blood sacrificed on Good Friday. Many Catholics fast on Friday to honor the command of the Lord to remember. We "Lift high the cross" and sing, "Let us ever glory in the cross of Christ." We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, and walk the Lord's Fourteen Stations of the Cross. The ancient Anima Christi teaches us to take refuge in the wounds of Christ. We remember the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady; we stand with her on Calvary, and stay with her through Holy Saturday. The cross is never far from our minds and hearts. 

With our vision sharpened by that practice, we see the suffering of Christ in the violence of poverty, discrimination, and racism. We recognize the exiled Holy Family among the millions who are forced to migrate as the planet warms, seas rise, and arable land turns to desert. Few leave their native lands willingly, and yet they find little welcome among the polluting nations. We grieve to see impoverished societies shredded by American-made weapons. 

God in his mercy gives no one a free pass from taking up their crosses and following in the footsteps of Jesus. Grief visits everyone as it comes in many forms. The wise welcome it with prayer as they accept the condolences of loved ones, fellow Christians, and strangers. 

Nor do we believe the world's absurd promise of a future without violence or suffering. Startrek assured its credulous fans that there would be no poverty in the 25th century. Because our forebears and every succeeding generation violated the Lord's command in the Garden of Eden, every age is violent. Those who wisely accept the violence of penance welcome its blessings. As William Penn, the English Protestant writer reminded his own people, "No Cross, No Crown."