17th Sunday, Ordinary Time

 


17TH SUNDAY, ORDINARY TIME


A supreme effort is made so that an exquisite pearl can be obtained (Matt. 13:45-46). It’s unlikely the merchant would extend himself if it was for the sake of an imitation pearl. No, it has to be worth it. Otherwise, why put yourself out? Think for example about a bear, gorging itself on honey. The bear understands up front that it’s going to be a painful experience. The bees will swarm, in defense of their hive. But as far as the bear is concerned, it’s worth the trouble. 


You see Winnie the Pooh, falling out of a very tall tree. He’s colliding with branches on the way down, suffering numerous bee stings, and he ultimately finds himself sprawled facedown in a mud puddle. He adopts a rather philosophical tone: It all comes from liking honey so much. The calamity can be attributed to the fact that he is in pursuit of honey. He has spotted an opening near the top of that particular tree. Bees are circling around the opening, and this would indicate the presence of honey. For Pooh, this represents the pearl of great price. He would never put himself in harm’s way for something artificial. But for the genuine article, there’s no holding back. 


By way of contrast, Solomon settles for what could be described as a glass pearl. He’s not praying for the wisdom we hear about in Isaiah 11 or in 1st Corinthians 12. If he had been praying for the genuine article, then his relationship with the Lord would have endured. But we know that he will fall into idolatry. Therefore, the request outlined in 1st Kings 3:9 centers upon a type of “discount” wisdom. It could be referred to as judicial wisdom. Judicial wisdom shapes your approach; meanwhile, authentic wisdom shapes YOU. It doesn’t sound like Solomon was prepared to take this kind of step. The Lord can shape his approach. But not him. 


Ironically, Solomon does end up being shaped. He will be shaped by the wider culture (see chapters 4-11 in 1st Kings). His is a story that starts off with a great deal of promise. And yet, sadly, the glow of promise will give way to the dark shroud of disappointment. This begs the question of your own story: does it reflect promise? Or does it reflect disappointment? When in doubt, consider whether you’ve been aiming for the genuine article? Are you praying for the wisdom that shapes you to the core of your being? Or are you begging off? The Lord has permission to shape your approach, but not your very self. 


Perhaps you will be doing yourself a favor by offering a prayer that goes beyond the prayer of Solomon. Pray for the wisdom that ranks as an actual gift. Pray for the wisdom featured in Isaiah 11 and in 1st Cor. 12. God wants not only to bless your approach; he sincerely wants to bless you. Allow him to shape you, along with your path. As you become endowed with the scriptural gift of wisdom, you’ll grow to appreciate the mystery that Paul celebrates in his Letter to the Romans. We’re hearing that God can take any experience and make it work for your overall good (8:28). This statement will sound far-fetched, if you’re being influenced by a “discounted brand” of wisdom. However, if you permit yourself to be led by the scriptural brand of wisdom, a resource that descends from above, then this passage will begin to register, to the greater glory of God. 


Returning to our earlier illustration, we can say this for Pooh: he’s looking in the right direction. In other words, he’s looking up. He’s seeking something that’s positioned on a level above his own level. The hope is that we will follow suit. Pray for the gifts associated with the Holy Spirit, most notably the gift of wisdom. Treat yourself to promise, rather than disappointment. 

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