The Lord Is The Source Of All Wisdom And Grace

Ecclesiasticus 44:1,9-13
Mark 11:11-26

THE LORD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM AND GRACE

The book of Sirach comprises a lot of wise sayings. In today’s first reading, the author wants us to know that true wisdom resides in the people of Israel, because they have a deep connection with God, and so they share in God’s wisdom. Yahweh is their God, and they are God’s people.God takes delight in them. He remembers them even after death. God is to be praised for the good and faithful actions of His people since all goodness comes from Him.

in other words, true wisdom lies in the knowledge and understanding of the connection of one’s inner self with the divine life. And that is why, we see the apparent stress on good people living on after their death by their being remembered by family and friends. Let’s always pray for the souls of the faithful departed and people will also pray for us too let us also emulate their virtuous life and teach the younger ones the faith that has been passed down to us.

Did Christ think it wise to curse the fig tree while it was not its season to bear fruit? Certainly Yes. We all know that earlier on Christ was angry with the people in the Temple. In the place of worship, He sees all kinds of atrocities and abuses. He does not see the true wisdom that Sirach speaks of there in the Temple. Instead, He sees foolishness, selfishness, greed, and thoughtlessness. They have focused on the wrong ideas, performing rituals without interior conversion and sacrifices were the centers of a faith relationship with God.

As a result, Jesus acts out a parable by cursing the barren fig tree. The fig tree, long used as a symbol for the people of Israel, with a grievous blow has become barren, like the ill-gotten people Jesus encountered in the Temple. Somehow, they have lost their true wisdom, their understanding, and knowledge that comes from a deep connection to one’s inner self and the divine even in the house of worship where true piety is found.

The episode of the cursed fig tree and reprimanding in the temple by Jesus shows that God can do whatever He wills and we should avoid the wrath of God by becoming fruitful. He takes delight in His people. If a tree without reason could be cursed then what will happen to humans who have reason- image and likeness of God? The Lord wants us to have faith in Him. He wants to return to Him, the Source of Wisdom and Grace. Anyone who believes that what he says by faith will happen, it shall be done for him. Seek the Lord while He is found, call on Him while He is near.

Today’s readings, therefore, challenge us to keep our attention where it should be – on God. If we’re truly centering our attention on our relationship with God, then we will be empowered to do the good deeds which God intends. And in our doing good, God will be praised and glorified. We are called to live out our relationship which God has established within us and made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Our glory is only in God. May we continue to glory in the Lord as He delights in who we are and what we do to proclaim the Good News.

Fr Joseph Osho