Wisdom! (What She Said — Her, too)

I couldn’t help but notice a striking difference between the following two quotes; the first comes from today’s issue of DYNAMIS, the second from a retired bishopess of the Episcopal Church.

Wisdom’s Discernment: “…she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought” (Wisdom 6:16).

In Proverbs 3:13-16, Wisdom is revealed as a treasure unequaled to anything one might desire. Still, as St. Maximos the Confessor observes, this greatest of all possible attainments lies far beyond the reach of the majority who still are wandering in “the mists of ignorance,” corrupting themselves with “the dust of sin” …

For our part, active response is required. Listen to the Teacher of Wisdom: “He who rises early” and fixes his “thoughts on her…and he who is vigilant on her account” (Wis. 6:14,15) is promised the rewards of finding Wisdom, gaining understanding, and overcoming the cares of this present life through the power of Wisdom. “Rising early” signals the necessity for discipline in the life in Christ. A plan for prayer and a jealously guarded time to pray and read must be developed and maintained. When the Teacher of Wisdom says to “fix one’s thoughts” on Wisdom, he prepares our hearts and minds to take up the Jesus Prayer as a means for developing, extending, and deepening the bond with Christ Jesus our Savior. “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).

Next we have Jane Holmes Dixon, retired bishopess of DC, on “Conversation not Conversion” …

I learned some years ago that for some folk, knowing they have The Truth is essential for their salvation. And furthermore, they need to bring that Truth to others in order to secure their own justification.

I have found that taking a person seriously and respecting his or her dignity and faith perspective, sometimes allows conversation, sometimes it doesn’t. For any common ground to be established candor is vital; the common ground is personal integrity.

The difficulties of talking to those whose faith is absolute is, of course, there is little possibility for exploration of other belief systems, and if a decision about a course of action is necessary, then one position will prevail. The benefits are, of course, the opportunity to enrich one’s own knowledge and maybe, just maybe, form a relationship that brings advantages to both parties.

Thanks to Anglican TK.
Image of “Divine Wisdom” taken from here.

Oh! Speaking of Episcopalians, I still need your help. (Purpose, of course, is to “explore” — ahem! — “other belief systems.”)