Wisdom 2:23-3:9
Luke 17:7-10
There were socio-cultural tensions between the Hellenistic Greeks and the Hellenistic Jews gave rise to several works known as the Wisdom Writings. Each write-up attempts to offer a profound reflection on the relationship of God and his chosen people in light of current events through Greek thoughts. The Book of Wisdom invites us to reflect on the essence of man, justice, and integrity.
In today’s first reading from the book of Wisdom, wisdom speaks to us about our essence that we are made in the image and likeness of God and so we are imperishable. We reflect God’s loving nature with our ability to love and to have compassion. Our essences are spiritual.
God says that whoever loves him will keep his word. Even when we don’t receive immediate gratification for every deed of keeping his word, we at least know we have done what we are obliged to do. He has spoken to us directly in his teachings. So, we must strive to follow his commandments and teachings.
Let us do our best each day reflecting God’s nature through listening, mercy, forgiveness, fairness, and working for peace. May we begin each day with gratitude for the image of God’s nature that we share and the pathways to eternal happiness we read about in holy scripture.
Fr Joseph Osho