Holy Spirit of God, give me wisdom from above…

 
James 3:13-18

 
I have recently accomplished seven decades of this journey called life. And I feel as though I am only now experienced and humble enough –and  wise enough –to begin to truly live into the ‘order’ the ‘good of every kind’ that James speaks of in his famous counsel regarding wisdom. Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle and friendly, full of compassion, and full of good deeds free from prejudice and hypocrisy, and produced from the seeds that peacemakers plant in peace…”  Looking back on my life’s journey, I realize that all the newsy conversations, either aural or in print; all expressions of anger or the flagrant exercise of ‘loose lips’;  all my criticisms and judgments of others either casually expressed or spoken with great consternation; all the possessions I have so carefully accrued ,  at best have been somewhat helpful, and at worst are only embarrassing heaps of foolishness that bred little good, and have perhaps even blocked the view of the many good and fruitful things that I have been able to with the time, talents and treasures I have been given. Indeed, as James points out, my subscription to the wisdom of this world – with its prominence, possessions, and alleged powers - has led me away from God’s great goods! As I contemplate my time here on earth going forward, I am committed not to wisdom as defined by this world, but to have and to keep,  ‘the wisdom from above’ that was the mark of James, and the truly wise elders of ages past.  Will I deliberately receive from the Holy Spirit of God, the wisdom from above?
 
When you send forth your spirit your creatures are created; and you renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104)
 
Light most blessed, shine with grace,
In our heart’s most secret place,
Fill your faithful through and through.
Gospel Sequence for Pentecost, v. 5
 
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
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