Monday, 17^th February – Monday of week 6 of the year

Reflection: James 1:1-11

ANYONE IN NEED OF WISDOM?

Certainly, if wisdom were to be a commodity on sale in Jankara market, nearly all students will be there to purchase some. As youths and especially as students, wisdom, knowledge and understanding are highly needed in our academic pursuit. We do not rank equally in our intelligence quotient (IQ). This is the major reason for the disparity in our capacity for understanding and reasoning.

However, today’s first reading is cheering news for as many as desire an “upgrade” in their IQ (James 1:5-7). God is simply saying: “Ask, but ask in faith.” Accompanying our faith must be the fear of God (Psalm 110: 10). It was the fear of God that formed the basis of Solomon’s request (2 Chronicles 1: 7-12; 1 Kings 4: 29-34). Daniel was ten times better than all his compatriots in matters of wisdom and understanding because he feared God (Daniel 1: 8, 19-20). Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are parts of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11: 1-2) and God has promised never to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). He is our creator, the almighty God, with whom nothing is impossible (Jeremiah 32:27).

As we ask and trust Him for greater knowledge and understanding, this must not breed complacency in us. Rather it must inspire us to deploy our potentials to the fullest. Faithfulness in little things promotes faithfulness in greater things and ultimately, God will take us to greater heights (Luke 19:17)

PRAYER: Oh Lord! Grant me greater wisdom, knowledge and understanding, that my study (work) may better glorify you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1831 – The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.

HIDE A TREASURE: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures forever” Psalm 111: 10 RSV-CE

Readings for today: James 1:1-11; Psalm 119: 67-76; Mark 8: 11-13