Wisdom 2:12,17-20; ; Psalm 53(54); ; James 3:16 – 4:3; Mark 9: 30-37
Wisdom was the last book of the Old Testament to be written, probably in Alexandria about 50 BC. Written in Greek, it is not in the Hebrew Scriptures and is therefore treated as apocryphal in non-Catholic bibles. The wicked are blinded by their thoughts: “haphazard were we born”, they thought, and we leave no trace when we die, “because noone returns.” So “let us enjoy the good things that exist” and “oppress the righteous”, simply because “he annoys us”. But Wisdom responds: “God formed man to be imperishable; in the image of his own nature”.
The psalm implores God’s help against our enemies, confident that he will help.
James’ letter continues emphasising we must show our faith in good works, for which we need “wisdom from above”. We must “show works in the meekness of wisdom”, not in “jealousy and selfish ambition”. “Friendship with the world is enmity with God”.
In the Gospel Jesus uses a quiet moment on the way back from the Transfiguration to tell his disciples again that he will be killed and “after three days he will rise”. But as yet they cannot understand. He then insists that his way is to “be last of all and servant of all”, giving welcome to the least significant, even little children. God’s wisdom is not the world’s wisdom.
Psalm Response: The Lord upholds my life
(Wisdom 2:12,17-20; ; Psalm 53(54); ; James 3:16 – 4:3; Mark 9: 30-37)