Year A: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 First Reading: Wisdom 6: 12-16

The First Reading explores what Wisdom is - what, for example is the difference between the wise and foolish bridesmaids?

We have all met people who have wisdom. It is a quality that is often associated with age - but it is also possible to find young people who have wisdom beyond their years. This may be because they have encountered difficulties which have forced them to learn more about life than should reasonably be expected.

On the other hand, we can meet older people who seem not have wisdom and who, one suspects, will never develop it. They seem not to learn from their own experiences - nor do they listen to other people’s.

So, thinking about the Gospel, it may be that the wise bridesmaids used their experience of the lateness of bridegrooms and of other occasions when oil has run out to ensure that it does not happen to them. The foolish bridesmaids may have had similar experiences - but had not learnt from them.

The Reading suggests that Wisdom does not come automatically. Rather it is something (or, as Wisdom is personified “someone”) we have to look for it (or her!)

The writer does not give the impression that Wisdom is elusive and hard to find. In fact, it seems as is she delights in laying in wait for those who are looking for her - it seems that all we have to do is to be aware - and alert - and Wisdom will reveal herself to us - and accompany us on our journey through the rest of our life.

What does it mean for me?

What value do you place on wisdom? How can you cultivate wisdom in yourself?

Text © 2007 Wellspring

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