HIDDEN FROM THE WISE - 7/13/22 (Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time)

Matthew 11:25

“I give praise to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned You have revealed them to the childlike.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071322.cfm

For more information on the Optional Memorial of St. Henry, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-13---saint-henry/

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Blessed Wednesday! We have a natural curiosity to know. After all, God has given us intellect which we can use to have knowledge of many things. So, why did our Lord not reveal it to the wise and the learned? Is it wrong to be wise and to be learned? Of course, it's not wrong. The problem is when people seek human and worldly wisdom rather than Divine and heavenly wisdom which are gifts from God. 

The wise and the learned that Jesus was referring here originally pertained to the Pharisees and the scribes. They were knowledgeable of Scriptures and the law. They knew many examples of pious practices. And yet, they rejected the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ. Why did they not listen to Him? It's because they wanted to trust in themselves and their own views, even if they were committing sins, rather than listen to the voice of the Lord. This same tendency can take place in our lives as well. We may think of morality, of what is good and bad, simply based on our own views in life. When we depend on our own opinions instead of depending on God's will, we are closing our hearts to our conscience where He speaks. 

Jesus Christ revealed and preached the gospel to the Pharisees. But, their hearts remained hardened. In our own lives, there are times that we are not interested in looking at things from the perspective of God. Our goals in life become about our own dreams, wants, and achievements instead of trusting in God's plan for us and focusing on His teachings. Let's not be discouraged because we are always given the opportunity to be better by the grace of God. He does not abandon us, and He is always patient with us even though we may seem to abandon Him. 

Our Lord Jesus is always inviting us to have a child like faith and humility. Maybe, we find satisfaction everytime we think we are right about things. And yet, it is pleasing to the Lord to humble ourselves and acknowledge that we do not know everything. This humble recognition will lead us to trust in the Lord and to make Him the center of our lives. Everything that we have is a gift from God. We cannot boast of anything, but we can glorify God in everything. Let's listen to His voice more in our prayers, especially as we reflect on His Word. Regarding social issues, may we trust in what God says and reveals through the Catholic Church. When we make decisions in life, especially critical decisions, let's discern what is God's will and what will give Him greater glory. God is a Merciful Father whose wisdom will guide us to everlasting life.

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic