Today’s readings show us prudence and wisdom at work, not only in earthly kingdoms but also in spiritual realities.
The first reading from the book of Daniel provides an account of how Daniel and his companions came to serve Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king. They were carried off into a foreign land, against their will because the Lord handed them over to this pagan ruler. Vessels from the temple of God were also carried off into the temple of pagan gods in this foreign land. It must have seemed very confusing and disappointing to these young men. How could this be happening? But they persisted in their faithfulness to God, showing both courage and prudence as they worked out a way to live in these new circumstances.
Do you suppose that their valor was reinforced by acting together, as a group? Knowledge alone would not be enough. They had to step out and act on what they believed to be true. Execution is the tough part – a truth I have often encountered in these reflections.
It is also important to note that faith generally precedes understanding. Faith orients us toward the reality that God and His truth remain stable when our world is in flux. That reality requires us to reevaluate the information available to us and to act in light of that truth. As we move forward in faith, greater understanding may come to us – or it may not. But in this case, Daniel and his friends came out pretty well. As the reading concludes, “In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.” (It goes without saying that there are a lot of magicians and enchanters in our time, too. Don’t be fooled by them.)
Today’s gospel illustrates understanding that proceeds from the lens of faith, which is not limited to the parameters that guide us in earthly matters. Those who only see and hear clanking coins going into the treasury would have been astonished at our Lord’s assessment of the widow’s mite. It is important to recognize that the hearts and motivations of others are often opaque to us. In this sense, we are not like our Lord. Despite our imperfect understanding, we can learn from this example. By overemphasizing external signs, we may neglect or overlook the more that may be present. Being open to the possibility of more and recognizing the limits of our understanding is a good start on the path toward wisdom. Openness and humility beat hubris – or at least that is the way to bet.
God, in his mercy, sometimes gives us a glimpse of the more, which warms our hearts and confirms the reality on which our faith depends, allowing us to continue the journey with a little spring in our steps. And sharing that spring with others may foster a little valor, an area where we can all use a boost. Thanks be to God.
Edward Morse
Ed Morse is a professor of law who holds the McGrath North Endowed Chair in business law at Creighton. University School of Law. He and his wife Susan are Catholic converts. Together, they operate a family cattle farm in rural Western Iowa.
Writing these reflections over the past fifteen years has helped me to learn and grow in faith. Sometimes it has also chastened me by reminding me of the constant need to practice what we have learned as we live out our faith journey together. I am grateful for feedback and encouragement from my fellow travelers.
