From wonder to wisdom

The last blog left off with the need for discernment as well as docibilitas. And today's gospel gives us some of the strands of the habit of discernment that we need to develop with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

The gospel opens with a typical correction on the part of Jesus. The disciples are lost in admiration looking upon the shining spectacle of the great temple of Jerusalem. There is of course nothing wrong with wonder. Indeed, wonder is an essential element in our own education. Wonder can nourish and wonder can relax. Wonder is what this busy practical world we live in seems to exclude from every corner. We would be healthier all round if we spent less time gawping at our screens and more time gazing in wonder on the simple beauties of the world that God made and, yes, even the wonderful things that wonderful human beings have created (like the temple or great art). But Jesus does not want us to stop at wonder, and He seizes the moment to teach the disciples to look beyond wonder and reach for wisdom. Why? Well, ultimately, everything will be destroyed.  

Discernment has many dimensions but one of them is precisely this call: to look beyond the appearances. Wonder by all means, but do not become enthralled. Rejoice in the good, but be not seduced by a partial good. 

Jesus' admonition is then followed up by a mysterious and many levelled prophecy that evokes the fall of Jerusalem but also of the end of the world. Personally, as individuals, we may see the end of the world, or, conversely, the world may see the end of us instead. Yet, in some ways these words of Jesus' prophecy are realised in every persecution down the ages of the Church, and indeed in the lives of many faithful souls: you will be hated by all men on account of my name. How often do we try to dodge the burden that this fate seems to represent in our eyes? 

But to accept the burden of infamy, we must listen again to Jesus' call to step beyond the appearances. We might fear hatred, but it builds no lasting kingdoms. Only the immense love of God can do that. It is human to be awed by hatred when it is directed against us, but it is at that moment that we must put our hands in Jesus' and step towards wisdom. Not a stone will be left upon a stone. That kingdom of appearances and of human domination will crumble. 

Take care not to be deceived, Jesus invites us. Be divinely teachable, not humanly gullible. 

Keep this carefully in mind. Discern.