for mature audiences only
"Where is the wise man to be found?" —1 Corinthians 1:20
After I passed by a building bearing a sign which read "Center for Advanced Spiritual Maturity," I read today's first eucharistic reading from 1 Corinthians. St. Paul tells us where to find the center for advanced spiritual maturity: it's located at the foot of Jesus' cross.
"In God's wisdom the world did not come to know Him through 'wisdom'...it pleased God to save those who believe through the absurdity" of the Son of God hanging in agony on His cross (1 Cor 1:21). Yes, many "look for 'wisdom' " (1 Cor 1:22), enlightenment, and advanced spiritual maturity through human, wordy wisdom (1 Cor 1:17). However, "God turned the wisdom of this world into folly" (1 Cor 1:20).
The modern trend of removing crucifixes from churches and schools is an indicator of a lack of maturity. Those who think they have advanced beyond the message of the cross may have in reality lost touch with the Lord (see 2 Jn 9).
"Where is the wise man to be found?" (1 Cor 1:20) Where is the center for advanced spiritual maturity? These are found beneath the cross (Jn 19:25), keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus crucified (Heb 12:2). "There is, to be sure, a certain wisdom which we express among the spiritually mature. It is not a wisdom of this age, however" (1 Cor 2:6). It is rather the wisdom and maturity of knowing nothing but Jesus crucified (see 1 Cor 2:2, RNAB). "All of us who are spiritually mature must have this attitude" (Phil 3:15).
Prayer: Jesus, You are my Wisdom (1 Cor 1:30). May I make great advancement in the depth of my relationship with You.
Promise: "The plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of His heart, through all generations." —Ps 33:11
Praise: Sarah, a quadriplegic, never complains about her situation. She constantly radiates the joy of the Lord at work, on the bus, and whenever people stare at her.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006
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