There are different kinds of “smarts.” Some people have “book smarts,” some are “street smart,” some have loads of common sense and some can “learn things quickly.” Well I have asked a few members of the congregation to play a game. [Invite them up] They are to play this “large size JENGA game where they take one block away without tipping over the entire structure.
Now as you know there are four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Scholars all confirm that Mark was the first written. Then Matthew and Luke took that gospel and added their own nuances and stories to it. For example, the piece that we heard in the gospel today is well known. Except Mark’s earlier version says, “Take up your cross and follow me.” Luke’s version (which you just heard) says “Take up your cross daily and follow me.”
One could conclude that for Mark it is a onetime event. Sort of like “turning your life over to Jesus.” But Luke makes it very clear that this can, and should, happen every day. It’s not a onetime event only.
And prior to that, Jesus tests the disciples to see how much “smarts” or wisdom they have acquired about him. Other people still saw him only as a “holy man” or a “prophet.” The wisdom dimension sees Jesus as the Christ, as Peter accurately proclaims. And being the Christ is being the one that leads us through death to resurrection; the one that shows us again that tragedy is not the final statement but that we are led to hope.
Just as Jesus goes on to say that as Christ he will face difficulty (even killed) but will be raised up. The wisdom aspect recognized light in the midst of darkness, life in the midst of death, goodness stronger than all badness.
But we need reminders of this EVERYDAY. Daily we are to keep looking for the good in others, daily we face our difficulties with hope. Daily we are invited to be like-Christ and trust in God’s presence.
This can be difficult at times . . . just as the JENGA game can be difficult. Sometimes it’s easy to figure out how to do this, sometimes it is challenging.
Recently my Spiritual Director gave me a list of Wisdom quotes from people of various ages:
Age 7 “I’ve learned that you can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Age 15 “I’ve learned that, although it is hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me.”
Age 24 “I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.”
Age 29 “I’ve learned that, wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there.’
Age 39 “I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.”
Age 47 “I’ve learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.”
Age 52 “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day; lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.”
Age 53 “I’ve learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.”
Age 61 “I’ve learned that, if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage.”
Age 66, “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.”
Age 82 “I’ve learned that, even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
Age 92 “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”