In our Gospel reading today from Mark 9, someone is driving out demons in Jesus’ name. But this puts off the disciples, since this guy wasn’t one of them. So they ask Jesus about it. Jesus tells them, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
In the first reading today from Sirach 4, we read more about Wisdom. “She walks with him as a stranger and at first she puts him to the test; Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline until she try him by her laws and trust his soul. Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to him and she will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.” Wow, quite an ordeal, huh?
I think we all know that wisdom doesn’t come easy. I’m not sure how wise I am, but I often feel as though I’ve earned my PhD from the School of Hard Knocks. But God knows that it takes all of these things for us to gain wisdom. While we may learn some things from our successes, we certainly gain wisdom through our mistakes and our trials. They help us to understand the truly important things in life. So while the trials and tribulations may not feel so good now, just remember that they bring the sweet fruit of wisdom.
Father, we thank you for trying us and testing us. May we grow in wisdom and love today. Amen.
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