Men's Rosary

The thirst for knowledge is great.  People like the degree, accolades, and attention that come with knowledge and how much they have learned. I would argue that knowledge is usually not enough and many times the pursuit of it keeps us from ascending. We need to obtain wisdom and wisdom is not taught. Wisdom is cultivated.  Cultivation is the difference in the growth of the person.  This is much like two gardeners, both with the same knowledge, but one has a much more beautiful and robust garden because they have the wisdom of gardening from cultivating themselves in the craft. With much knowledge comes the inclination to pride which will block wisdom.  “When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

We all need knowledge.  The most important knowledge is knowledge of God and God’s will for our lives.  This is something we should be asking for every day. “O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.” (Psalm 119:5-6) We have been taught about God and his commandments.  We have been schooled on and have received the sacraments of the Church.  We have been taught about Mass and Sacred Liturgy.  So how do we grow in wisdom? Knowledge is the “what” while wisdom is the “how and when”. What is the best way to get from one to the other? The cultivation of knowledge into wisdom requires that we go beyond ourselves and what we know, and to seek what others know and have done and what the results of their actions were – good or bad. It requires us to stop talking and start listening. This listening entails Scripture, the writings of the Saints, Church doctrine, homilies, sermons, and those around us – especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We must seek this out.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7)

We have the Deposit of Faith (depositum fidei); Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, entrusted by Christ to the disciples and handed down through the Church to guide and teach us right living. We have Church documents and our Catechism to explain the truths of the church and expand understanding of knowledge. We have the Church Magisterium which safeguards the Deposit of Faith and offers authentic interpretation of God’s word. We have priests, deacons and lay leaders that assist in understanding and living an authentic Catholic life.  And we have all those around us.  “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.” (Proverbs 19:20)

Some of the best insight and advice will come from those much older than us.  Taking time to listen and then reflect will help us cultivate wisdom in our own right.  I remember long walks in the woods with my grandfather.  He did not talk about matters of faith, but the insights he gave into life as a man, husband, father, to this day come to mind as I assess my actions, or inaction.  It all makes a difference.  Those who share traditions and customs of the Faith from years ago bring more appreciation to what we have among us in our Church. It deepens our understanding and can affect how we live out our life as brothers and sisters in Christ.  It effects how we treat one another, and as a result, how we treat God. “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” (Job 12:12)

Study of the saints and their lives is a good method of cultivation as well.  To hear how they applied knowledge of God and united themselves to his will gives us much to consider for our lives.  It challenges us to be more in God’s eyes and become less in the eyes of men.  Knowledge that is not well-placed is simply knowledge wasted. It takes humility and patience to pull in on the reigns of our self-pursuits and ask of ourselves what it is that God wants. It will take even more humility, as well as courage, to answer that call.  However, this is where wisdom is found.  And make no mistake, wisdom is a gift from God.  We must be open to that gift. We will find that to be impossible if we are full of ourselves. “Let no one deceive himself.  If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)

It must be acknowledged that the most important and effective practice of cultivating our knowledge into wisdom and being well-prepared to receive the gift is PRAYER!  All that we learn, all that we observe, hear, and are told and counseled in every aspect of daily life, must be taken to prayer to receive wisdom and become wise.  While we may never be perfect, we are called to be perfect. In prayer we meet God and can implore his help. In prayer we must humble ourselves and listen. 

“There is more value in a little study of humility and in a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world.” (St. Teresa of Avila)