Wisdom and Will
Jun 1: Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
Today is the memorial of St. Justin, but I stuck with the regular readings, because I like Sirach and we don’t get to read it often.
Still, St. Justin is worthy of memorializing, as one of the first Christian apologists. Born in the early 2nd century, he’s among the first generation after the apostles, trying to figure out Christianity’s place in the world.
He debated many prominent pagan philosophers, and even educated a few. He even corresponded with Marcus Aurelius, who eventually became the emperor and ruled during some severe persecutions. So, you know, you win some you lose some.
Reading 1
Sir 42:15-25
Now will I recall God’s works; what I have seen, I will describe. At God’s word were his works brought into being; they do his will as he has ordained for them. As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the LORD fills all his works; Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the LORD, Though God has given these, his hosts, the strength to stand firm before his glory.
He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands. The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him. Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same, With nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him! How beautiful are all his works! even to the spark and fleeting vision! The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain, For each in turn, as it comes, is good; can one ever see enough of their splendor?
Once again, just looking around reveals God’s glory. Did the sun rise this morning? That’s because God wills it. But even God’s holy ones, the saints, can’t point to everything God has done, because it’s so much.
God, however, isn’t limited in His wisdom and vision. He knows what we’re all thinking, even in our deepest secrets. Because He made us as much as he made the sun and stars.
Responsorial Psalm
PS 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
For upright is the word of the LORD
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made;
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask;
in cellars he confines the deep.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all who dwell in the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it was made;
he commanded, and it stood forth.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
God created everything, out of sheer goodness and will. He did it with a Word. People can make commands, but they don’t have to be obeyed; God’s Word, on the other hand, creates everything.
Yet, He gives us a choice. Unlike the sunrise, we’re allowed freewill to accept or reject God’s commands.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You can’t see without light!
Gospel
Mk 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Bartimaeus’s blindness could be seen as a metaphor, for spiritual blindness. We don’t always see God’s plans, but Jesus opens them to us.
On the other hand, the dude was blind. Bartimaeus knew that he couldn’t cure himself just by wishing it so. His sight could only be restored if by the Word of God.
And Jesus gave that word. He just had to say so, and it was so.
The only thing we can do with our words is ask. Ask God for help, with faith. It’s His Will that will be done.