101 SEEL: Allows me to offer these up to Jesus

New SEEL week One: “Spiritual Exercises for Everyday Living” begins again. Of course, it's Page 2 in the book that has my first Highlight, now bolder, darker and needing more attention… “To whom much is given, much is expected.” . . . and it's really something that I've known and tried to come to terms with for a while since I’m so blessed here!

I mean, everything new that I learn in the Catholic Church has really explained and put context to things I've done before. It's been like hearing the hidden secrets that I had stumbled into through trial and error. I still remember Mary first speaking about a powerful experience with Contemplative Prayer and Jesus during my first class: Saint Theresa of Avila’s Nine Grades of Prayer. Mary reminded me of a similar experience, and I just chimed in after her explaining my own. Once again it was more about understanding and realizing what it was all about. It just slammed me that moment, and I likely interrupted her with my big mouth all excited to share. This was also when Lisette realized she's in this deep Contemplative Prayer with Jesus all the time.  Once again this was revealing to me, as with her, when we talked about it again earlier this month . . . and I suddenly realized how my life of prayer was always started asking for Wisdom "ppp" = “Please lend Your Strength, Love, & Wisdom to,” with the Wisdom Lessons and Exodus Speaking it was all the same that we shared.

Now the Theme we started with in this SEEL Week One was all about the Unconditional Love of God.

And as I read this first passage from the Bible to pray about, it felt like it was written just for me. . . calling me forward into His LOVE from the "Waters and Rivers" where I have lived for 30 years. I know I was blessed to be "Moving Rivers" for so long as a civil engineer. And I guess I'm sorta in wonder as I consider what I did. I could some how feel into the dynamic systems of the rivers that allowed me to change and move them. It really wasn't rocket science, I simply changed system elements to see what happened, and then used flowrate and elevation charts to define what worked best. It was what always worked for me, trial and error again, like everything else I learned in my whole life.

But now I read about God calling me by name away from this life moving rivers. A year ago when I first started SEEL, I was distracted back into modeling rivers for maybe 6 months. Of course, the day before I was supposed to start work, I got into a bike accident, so you think I would have known it wasn't right for me. But that same work is what brought me to St Pete as well, again lasting for about 6 months when I moved into start a new office before Covid hit closing it. Now I've started teaching again, and have been trying to stay away from Rivers. Of course, I got a call yesterday about helping with a model for $30k. What's funny about this, is doing the midnight models like this allowed me to play with my kids 24/7. I was totally blessed to be able to spend so much time with my children, so extra cash now might be good too.

Now it's really been about spending the time with Jesus. And now again I'm sore and tired from another bike accident. It's my third bike accident in thirty years. I remembered my first on campus at USF in Tampa. Then my second last year on 9/11/2023, labor day before I was planning to work again. And now it was 10/2/24 that I got smashed again.  All I know about it now, was that I needed to slow down more.

My son told me to stay alone in my new house. And I soon realized it was about sharing more deeply in the Unconditional Love of Jesus. I kept trying to find a way to share this, Airbnb and whatever else I could think of. And I guess I need to stop searching or trying to "find a way" to share and Love as only Jesus could express this through me. I'm certainly never going to "plan something" suitable to the power and passion that Jesus Has for me. I still jump on inspirations and thrive on the divine guidance I see in every moment. 

Yes, I know this week I'm trying not to move, and stay relaxed and at ease for my body to heal. Course I know I've beaten pain all my life. I mean, I can't count the times I've been hit, punished, cut, hurt, beaten into blood & bruises. I was always surprised I never broke a bone. But now I've cut my head for a second time. But still I've always been able to muscle through pain, and know that's just who I am.   

Of course, the next Bible Verse is about the Providence of God where three times he says to avoid even the thought of needing something. And as with these aches and pains from my latest bike accident, I know they are temporary and insignificant. . . . Sorta like the thought for food, clothing, or thoughts of any desire, are simply a waste of time and effort. While all thoughts and efforts must be towards the Kingdom of God, and all else will be provided. And again it's a verse that's been written for me. Like calling me by name to step away from the rivers. Now again I've been given so much Blessing from the Kingdom of God that I have no need or desire for anything, trusting in the Providence of God.

Again this is the critical challenge of seeking God's Perspective and Wisdom for this moment in my own Spiritual Growth. I've written many times about this too. Understanding that seeking first the Kingdom brings me back to the very first line I wrote here. . . “To whom much is given, much is expected” . . . so even now as I recover from another bike accident. I suffer through aches and pains knowing this allows me to offer this suffering up to Jesus and accept this time of peace and solitude as more time to study, learn and grow in Jesus, again God's Providence giving to me.

This next Bible verse brings me back again to knowing the experience of God's Providence carrying me through the "Waters of Life." I know each day I'm protected and carried. Even with another Bike accident, where I accept the lesson to slow down more and focus on what's important. Knowing it is all in the Love of God and carrying me forward. Course with muscling through the pains of being bullied all my life, I've always known I'd be fine, I'm safe and protected. This obviously doesn't mean, I avoid all troubles and pains, but they all come and go where I'm always growing and coming out stronger than before.

Now the next Bible Verse for this first week of SEEL is Psalms 131. This is about being at peace in the Lord . . . I guess this is why I've been able to come this far. I know I'm always protected, I know I'm Loved and Guided by God. I know it will all come out fine in the Providence of God. Sure I get impatient and try to do what I think I need to do next. And this has been my focus here alone in this house. Yes it's a big beautiful house so I thought I needed to share it and open the doors to everyone. Clearly that wasn't the best thing for me, or what was necessary. 

Of course, this leads into the next verse this week in SEEL. It's not something for me to know, but to trust and accept that GOD KNOWS. Again this bring me back to the Kingdom First. Trusting and knowing in God's Providence where all things come through God. Its not my work or will, or desire that brings things forth for me, but it's all in God's Hands. . . again trusting in the Providence of God. Trusting this Unconditional Love of God!

Wow, I'm listening to the Intouch ministry on the JoyFM.com radio this morning. God repeats Himself for us to learn and grow by being obedient in God. It takes courage to listen and follow. 

Wisdom Dwells in Us Sirach 24:1-12

 Brother, welcome to Exodus.

We continue our series on Bl. Karl of Austria, "The Emperor of Peace," with a presentation by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, our upcoming spiritual guide for Exodus 90. Tune in to learn more about the last Catholic Emperor and how he serves as a model of holiness for men in the modern world. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God. Seek the eternal wisdom that dwells among God’s people today. Take one minute of silence now, praying for God’s blessing on you, your family, fraternity, and all Exodus Men.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that one receives, it is in self-forgetting that one finds, it is in forgiving that one is forgiven, it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.

Wisdom makes her abode in the communion of saints.

A Reading from the Book of Sirach

Wisdom will praise herself and is honored in God, and will glory in the midst of her people. In the assembly of the Most High she will open her mouth, and in the presence of his host she will glory. In the midst of her people she is exalted; in holy fulness she is admired. In the multitude of the chosen she finds praise, and among the blessed she is blessed, saying: “I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, the first-born before all creatures. I ordained that an unfailing light should arise in the heavens, and I covered the earth like a mist. I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud. Alone I have made the circuit of the vault of heaven and have walked in the depths of the abyss. In the waves of the sea, in the whole earth, and in every people and nation I have gotten a possession. Among all these I sought a resting place; I sought in whose territory I might lodge.

”Then the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and the one who created me assigned a place for my tent. And he said, ‘Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance, and among my chosen put down your roots.’ From eternity, in the beginning, he created me, and for eternity I shall not cease to exist. In the holy tabernacle I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion. In the beloved city likewise he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my dominion. So I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, who is their inheritance, and my abode was in the full assembly of the saints.

Reflection

We hear today that Wisdom will praise herself in the assembly of the Most High. In this, we see again that wisdom is a divine reality, intimately connected with God himself and given to us to share. Before we act or speak, we’re called to listen to this divine Wisdom to attune ourselves to her voice in the depths of our being.

Wisdom comes forth from the mouth of the Most High, echoing the creation narrative of God speaking the world into existence. This connection between Wisdom and creation reminds us that the entire universe is infused with God’s wisdom. And this can help liberate us from a narrow, self-centered perspective and renew the wonder of childhood. We’re invited to see the world through the lens of divine Wisdom, recognizing God’s fingerprints in nature, in human creativity, in our lives, and the unfolding of history.

The image of Wisdom covering the earth like a mist speaks to her all-pervasive nature. Just as mist can fill every crevice and coat every surface, divine Wisdom is available to us in every situation and circumstance of our lives. This spurs us to be ever more attentive, seeking God’s wisdom not just in moments of quiet reflection, but in all of daily life, in our work, our relationships, and especially in our challenges.

Wisdom’s dwelling in the pillar of cloud hearkens back to God’s guidance of the Israelites in the wilderness. Wisdom is not static, but dynamic: watching over, guiding, and protecting us on our journey through life. For Exodus men navigating the complexities of modern life, Wisdom is the pole star showing us the path to our heavenly Father through the way of the Lord.

The description of Wisdom’s journey through creation, seeking a resting place, culminates in her choosing to dwell in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem. This localization of Wisdom’s presence doesn’t limit her but rather emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in our pursuit of wisdom. It challenges us to root ourselves in a community of faith, to engage deeply with our spiritual heritage, and to recognize the value of the shared wisdom of the tradition handed down to us.

The image of Wisdom taking root among God’s people challenges us to consider. How deeply rooted are we in divine Wisdom? Are we like trees planted by streams of water, drawing continual nourishment from God’s presence? Or are we more like tumbleweeds, blown about by every wind of doctrine or cultural trend?

For leaders, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, Sirach’s portrayal of Wisdom offers great guidance. We’re called to lead not trusting in our own powers, perseverance, or wit, but by cooperating with the all-powerful and wise God. True greatness comes not from our own abilities, but from joining ourselves to God’s wisdom and purposes.

Remember, brothers, that the pursuit of Wisdom is not an abstract intellectual exercise, but a lived relationship with the triune God. Allow God’s wisdom to permeate every aspect of your life, shaping your character, guiding your decisions, and transforming your relationships.

Let’s be men who are known for our pursuit of divine Wisdom. With so much superficial opinion and malign influence surrounding us, let our lives stand as testimonies to the enduring power and relevance of God’s wisdom.

Wisdom makes her abode in the communion of saints.

Let us pray.

Eternal Father of Lights, we praise you for the gift of Wisdom, who delights the children of men. You have ordained wisdom as an unfailing light in the heavens, sent to cover the earth like a mist. May we, illuminated by your Holy Spirit, recognize the voice of wisdom, and provide a dwelling place for her in our hearts. Let us be counted among the blessed in whom she finds praise. As we journey through this earthly life, Let wisdom be our constant companion and guide that we may dwell in the full assembly of the saints, and find our portion in you, our eternal inheritance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, your Wisdom and Power made flesh. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wisdom brings gladness

Brother, welcome to Exodus.

St. John Henry Newman, whose feast we celebrate today, passionately sought the truth, even when it upended his life. He followed God's prompting into the fulness of faith handed down to us through the apostles, giving up his prestigious position and friends in Oxford. Newman models the cost and rewards of seeking God's wisdom above all things, enabling him to become a shining light to others. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God. Seek God's wisdom and let it guide your words and actions today. Take one minute of silence now, praying for God’s blessing on you, your family, fraternity, and all Exodus Men.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that one receives, it is in self-forgetting that one finds, it is in forgiving that one is forgiven, it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.

Wisdom brings gladness and a crown of rejoicing.

A Reading from the Book of Sirach

The man who fears the Lord will do this, and he who holds to the law will obtain wisdom. She will come to meet him like a mother, and like the wife of his youth she will welcome him. She will feed him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of wisdom to drink. He will lean on her and will not fall, and he will rely on her and will not be put to shame. She will exalt him above his neighbors, and will open his mouth in the midst of the assembly; she will fill him with a spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothe him with a robe of glory. He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing, and will acquire an everlasting name. Foolish men will not obtain her, and sinful men will not see her.

She is far from men of pride, and liars will never think of her. A hymn of praise is not fitting on the lips of a sinner, for it has not been sent from the Lord. For a hymn of praise should be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it.

Reflection

Sirach paints a vivid picture of the relationship between wisdom and those who seek her, offering us a profound insight into the nature of true freedom and fulfillment. As men striving to live lives of purpose and integrity, these words challenge us to reconsider our understanding of wisdom and its role in our spiritual journey.

The passage begins by describing the man who fears the Lord and holds fast to the law. This fear isn’t a cowering dread, but a reverent awe that recognizes God’s sovereignty and goodness. It’s a posture of humility and openness, acknowledging that true wisdom comes not from our own intellect or experience, but from God Himself. Before we act, before we speak, before we decide, we’re called to turn our hearts toward God, seeking understanding as sons at the feet of our all-wise Father.

Sirach then personifies Wisdom as a mother and a virgin bride, embracing and nourishing those who seek her. This imagery speaks to the intimacy and life-giving nature of our relationship with divine wisdom. It’s not a cold, detached knowledge but a warm, nurturing presence that shapes our character and guides our steps. As we cultivate this relationship with Wisdom, we find ourselves growing not just in knowledge but also in virtue and discernment.

The fruits of this relationship with Wisdom are described in rich detail. Those who embrace her are fed with the bread of understanding and given the water of wisdom to drink. This nourishment isn’t just for our minds but for our souls. It sustains us through challenges, refreshes us in times of weariness, and enables us to see the world through God’s eyes. And having embraced divine wisdom, we will show forth to a spiritually malnourished culture a deep, soul-level sustenance that is profoundly attractive.

Sirach then goes on to describe how Wisdom exalts and glorifies those who hold fast to her. This isn’t about worldly fame or success, but about being lifted up in character and spiritual stature. As we grow in wisdom, we find ourselves standing firm amidst life’s storms, able to navigate complex situations with grace and discernment. This elevation isn’t for our own glory but equips us to be more effective servants of God and others. One of the most powerful promises in this passage is that Wisdom will never abandon those who seek her. In a world full of uncertainties and shifting allegiances, the steadfast nature of Wisdom offers us an anchor for our souls. This promise encourages us to persevere in our pursuit of wisdom, even when the journey is difficult or the benefits aren’t immediately apparent.

As we embrace divine wisdom, we naturally begin to detach from worldly measures of success and fulfillment. We learn to hold our plans and possessions lightly, trusting in the guidance of Wisdom rather than our own schemes. This detachment isn’t about becoming passive or disengaged, but about finding our security and identity in God rather than in temporal things. It means being open to the possibility that God might be leading us in unexpected directions.

In our decision-making, we can practice pausing to seek wisdom before rushing to action. This might mean waiting on a decision that others are pressuring us to make, or being willing to change course when we sense God leading us in a new direction. It means having the courage to choose the wise path even when it’s not the easy or popular one. In our relationships, embracing wisdom means striving to see others as God sees them—as bearers of his image. It also entails responding to conflicts with patience and understanding rather than reactive, escalating anger. It means being willing to offer gentle correction when necessary, and to receive it humbly when offered to us.

Brothers, let’s commit to being men who ardently pursue divine wisdom. We can create space in our lives for deep contemplation and reverent seeking. Let’s have the courage to align our lives with God’s wisdom, even when it goes against the grain of our culture. As we do, we’ll find ourselves growing in true freedom—the freedom to live fully as the men God has created us to be, empowered by His wisdom to make a lasting impact in our world.

Wisdom brings gladness and a crown of rejoicing.

Let us pray.

O Lord, fount of all wisdom and understanding, grant, we implore you, hearts that yearn for your wisdom, that she may come to us as a nurturing mother, and welcome us as a bride in the fullness of youth. May we, strengthened by your grace, stand under your wisdom and never stumble, finding in it our support and our glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who is Wisdom Incarnate and the crown of all the saints, and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.