22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

We speak . . . with words taught by the Spirit. 

Paul was a well-educated man. Born in the cosmopolitan city of Tarsus, he was exposed to Greek philosophy at an early age. Then, “at the feet of Gamaliel”—one of the most celebrated rabbis of the time—he was “educated strictly in [the] ancestral law and was zealous for God” (Acts 22:3).

But after Jesus revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus, the words of the prophets he had studied took on new meaning. He realized that Jesus was the fulfillment of all they had written. Not only did Paul grasp the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection, but through his letters he interpreted these events in a way that has become the theological foundation of our faith.

This is amazing. Though Paul was obviously brilliant, we can’t attribute his masterful writings to his human intellect and knowledge of his faith alone. He truly spoke with words that were taught to him by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13).

We live in a time when human learning is valued more than ever—and for good reason. God gave us our reason and intellect, and he wants us to use them. But he also wants to build on our natural wisdom with his own wisdom and revelation—and he does that through the Holy Spirit.

What does this look like? As you are trying to understand a Scripture passage, you might consult a commentary. But then you could also pray for deeper insight into what the author meant. Or what if you are trying to explain a difficult Church teaching to someone? Learn as much as you can, but also keep asking the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say to that person.

God doesn’t reserve his wisdom just for his saints and apostles. He wants all of us to ask for it—and to believe that he will give it to us!

“Holy Spirit, fill me with your heavenly wisdom!”

Psalm 145:8-14
Luke 4:31-37