The first Office of the day today includes a citation from 1 Cor 1:18-2:5 which always causes me to wonder ... but then again that's not a bad thing. This wisdom of the cross that far surpasses the wisdom of the world leaves us mortals wondering at times. Those of us who have discovered a glimpse of this truth know somehow that we're on the right path, but every now and then, the apparent wisdom of the world crowds in and the result is that I for one end up sympathizing with the first hearers of Paul's communication to the Church at Corinth.
Wisdom in the 'ordinary' sense of the word can apply to those who operate in the confines of this world. That's true, but it leaves one sadly inept if we try to apply the same principles of logic to the case of God and the divine ways that appear so different.
The second part of today's reflection, an excerpt taken from one of Saint John Chrysostom's sermons, tries to shed some light on the proper understanding of this scripture passage.
After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother. Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time. They show the power of the master who has convinced them of this truth. They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when he does appear, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.
Notice, too, how, even from the beginning, Peter is docile and receptive in spirit. He hastens to Jesus without delay. He brought him to Jesus, says the evangelist. But Peter must not be condemned for his readiness to accept Andrew’s word without much weighing of it. It is probable that his brother had given him, and many others, a careful account of the event; the evangelists, in the interest of brevity, regularly summarise a lengthy narrative. Saint John does not say that Peter believed immediately, but that he brought him to Jesus. Andrew was to hand him over to Jesus, to learn everything for himself. There was also another disciple resent, and he hastened with them for the same purpose.
When John the Baptist said: This is the Lamb, and he baptizes in the Spirit, he left the deeper understanding of these things to be received from Christ. All the more so would Andrew act in the same way, since he did not think himself able to give a complete explanation. He brought his brother to the very source of light, and Peter was so joyful and eager that he would not delay even for a moment.
The treasure that had been discovered when the disciples found Jesus, and discovered that the truth he spoke resonated within their hearts, burned to be proclaimed to brothers and friends alike. In the same way, the truth that we discover about Jesus, and about his call for all of us to follow in his footsteps should excite the same response on our part.
These reflections are particularly helpful especially if the human heart has grown cautious and lukewarm or dare we say complacent. If as a result of this day's prayer and action, we experience a renewed excitement about the invitation to discipleship, or are renewed in our resolve to follow in His footsteps, then perhaps the Spirit is indeed hard at work, and we would do well to listen.
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