23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [C]

 

23RD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C]


In our first reading this weekend we hear something about the subject of wisdom. It needs to be understood that authentic wisdom comes from above. You don’t acquire it through a text book or a classroom lecture. Rather, think of it as a gift that’s being sent down to you from above (see Wis. 9:13-18). Or think of it as a special commodity that is being imported from another place. And here’s what else we need to know: authentic wisdom tends to be counter-intuitive. Through listening to the voice of wisdom, you’ll find yourself making any number of unconventional choices. These choices will prove to be both unconventional—and also beneficial. 


Note the approach being taken by St. Paul in our second reading. By way of letter, Paul informs Philemon that the runaway slave, Onesimus, has been located. He’s here, in my company. And I’ll have you know that he has become a baptized believer. Soon I will be sending him back to you. When he arrives, here is what I expect you to do: I expect you to receive him as a brother in the Lord. Yes, he was sold to you as a piece of property. Yes, you are regarding him as bought and paid for. But now you will look upon him as one of the redeemed. You’re not going to punish him for running away. You’re not going to oppress him. Instead, you’re going to emancipate him. It’s time to go beyond the conventional. Be unconventional, by honoring the voice of wisdom. Open yourself up to the gift that comes from above (see Philemon, verses 10-22). 


Similar words are delivered in a 1945 film titled “The Bells of St. Mary’s.”  It is being proposed to a wealthy businessman that he should donate his newly constructed office building to the church. It will be an unconventional choice. But Fr. O’Malley and Sr. Mary Benedicta have assured Mr. Bogardus that it’s the right choice. He will be honoring the voice of wisdom. Furthermore, he will be providing the students of St. Mary’s with an up-to-date facility. Mr. Bogardus initially laughs at the idea. Nevertheless, in the end, he decides to go through with it. Does it pain him? Is the gesture performed begrudgingly? Actually, he’s smiling. He’s smiling like he has never smiled before. He has done a favor, not just for St. Mary’s, but also for himself. 


Appreciate the fact that, when wisdom prevails, it resembles a rising tide. It’s a tide that raises all of the boats in the harbor, including your own. Is the voice of wisdom calling out to you? Could it be the voice of wisdom that’s being transmitted in this weekend’s Gospel passage? It definitely rates as an unconventional proposition: our relationships need to be realigned so that the Lord ranks ahead of everybody else (Luke 14:26-33). It comes across as an extreme message, an over the top statement, wildly counter-intuitive. We don’t mind if it’s Philemon being stretched, or if it’s Mr. Bogardus being stretched. Now, it seems that WE are likewise being stretched. 


What will it mean for you, if you give the voice of wisdom a legitimate chance? You will be wearing a smile. Why will you be smiling? It all has to do with the tide, mentioned previously. It’s raising your boat, along with the other boats that are docked within the harbor. You’re discovering that Luke fourteen doesn’t mean valuing your relationship with the Lord  at the expense of  your other relationships. Rather, by establishing first and foremost that you belong to the Lord, now you’re doing a much better job of belonging to the people around you. 

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