RUTTER — Wisdom of Peace

Wisdom is something we gain over time, most often by going through difficult challenges.

Having a high I.Q. doesn’t guarantee it. I’m guessing we all know smart people who do stupid things.

Watching the news lately, there seems to be an abundant lack of wisdom around the world. From riots on European streets, wars in Asia, and discord at home in America, folly abounds.

Man’s desire for power is often disguised under the banner of freedom and the intent to serve the least of us, for these words, well spoken, reach the hearts of the pure.

While the words may have a modicum of truth to them, when they hinge on creating adversarial relationships between “us” and “them,” words quickly lose their sincerity.

This is not the way of our loving God.

The first reading Sunday, Nov. 8, clearly warns leaders who “did not keep the law nor walk according to the will of God” that “severe judgment awaits.” (Wisdom 6:4-5)

The author advises these rulers to hear God’s words, walk in his way and seek wisdom: “For setting your heart on her is the perfection of prudence, and whoever keeps vigil for her is quickly free from care... .” (Wisdom 6:15)

The story of Nabal and Abigail highlights the contrast between folly and prudence. Nabal was a prosperous man who rejected King David’s request to take care of 10 of young men who would be visiting in his area, just as David’s people had been good to Nabal’s servants when they were in David’s town.

Belligerent, Nabal refused to share food with them. David reacted out of pride, dispatching 400 men to slaughter Nabal and his servants.

Hearing of her husband’s foolish retort, Abigail acted prudently. She prepared food for David’s men and personally delivered it to David with the request that he have mercy on them.

In her wisdom, Abigail fostered peace.

David’s reaction? He recanted, blessed God for sending her and called off his troops. (1 Samuel 25:32-33).

One woman, courageous and trusting in God, prevented evil from flourishing. How can we become agents of peace?

• Create relationships not rancor. Focus on the dignity of others not on retribution or winning arguments.
• Recognize that we are all children of God. Instead of seeing the differences in others, intentionally look for commonalities.
• Nix the politics. It is easy to identify ourselves by the political party we favor. In doing so, we automatically separate ourselves from those on the “other side” as it were.
• Avoid crowd mentality. Rather than getting caught up in drama, work to be a voice of reason.
• Link arms in the call for peace. One by one, we can make peace the mantra of our lives, communities and nations.
• Work to be a blessed servant of God — poor in spirit, meek, righteous, merciful, clean of heart and a peacemaker. (Matthew 5:3-9)

And so I pray: Dear Lord, help us to be active agents of peace in this troubled world. Give us the courage and strength to stand up to evil with your truth. Fill us with your wisdom that we may open the hearts and minds of our leaders.