Come O Wisdom

This week at the prison, I suggested that the men prepare themselves for Pentecost by thinking about what gift they would like to receive from the Holy Spirit at this time in their lives. I was surprised at how many of them said they wanted understanding, wisdom, or knowledge. It was as if they were channeling St. Paul, who said, “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened that you may know what is the hope that belongs to God’s call…and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe….” (Eph 1:17-19).

I think that many of the inmates have a growing sense that God is working in their lives and want a better understanding of what God asks of them, how God works in the world, and how they can grasp God’s love and forgiveness. The hope that belongs to God’s call is a lifeline to them—the hope that they can trust in God’s power and have fullness of life and peace. Can’t we all say the same thing?

Like us, the inmates also seem to want wisdom so they can understand both themselves and the people they are living with and thus be better equipped to respond to behaviors that flow from fear, woundedness, and ego defenses (e.g., acting out, denial, displaced aggression, and avoidance). To pray for a spirit of wisdom and understanding seems particularly important at this time in our society when the divisions between groups of people are so prevalent and entrenched.

We have a week or so to prepare ourselves for our celebration of Pentecost. May we all pray that the Spirit will gift us and our world with the wisdom and understanding we need to let God’s healing and love flow unimpeded in our lives.