6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: WISDOM, CHOICES, AND US

In the introduction to his book Rediscover the Saints, Matthew Kelly writes: “In these pages, you will encounter the voices of the saints, their greatest insights into how to live well…” The saints had one unique thing in common: the special gift of wisdom. They prioritized virtue over vice. They mastered their desires. They took charge of their senses. They excelled in doing good. Wisdom was their secret.

The readings this weekend take us to the root of humanity’s crisis — the crisis of choice. The Book of Sirach tells us clearly: “Before man are life and death, good and evil; whichever he chooses shall be given him.” (Sir. 15:17)

God grants humanity freedom. He allows us to exercise free will responsibly. And yet, we often struggle with the question: If God is good, why does evil exist? Why does He not simply eliminate those who persist in wickedness — abusers, manipulators, the unrepentant? Perhaps you have been a victim of such persons’ evil behavior and wonder why they are still alive and continue to do what they do. The answer is not simple, but it touches the heart of human dignity.

In the garden, Adam and Eve misused their freedom. If freedom were the cause of the fall, God could as well have taken it away. But He did not. Why? Because freedom is part of what makes us truly human. Without freedom, there is no love. Without freedom, there is no virtue. Without freedom, there is no holiness. We lose our humanity without freedom. Instead of removing freedom, God gave something greater — wisdom.

St. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, speaks of this divine wisdom:

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard… what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9) Wisdom is not merely intelligence. It is not academic knowledge. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the capacity to see reality from God’s perspective. Wisdom enables us: - To recognize good and evil. - To strengthen the will toward what is right. - To rule our desires rather than be ruled by them.

The saints understood this well. St. Thomas Aquinas defined wisdom as “the right ordering of things toward their ultimate end.” St. Augustine struggled with disordered desires before surrendering fully to God’s grace, understanding this ordering of things through divine illumination. Wisdom transformed them.

In today’s Gospel (Sermon on the Mount), Jesus goes deeper than external behavior. The Scribes and Pharisees focused on actions. Jesus focuses on the roots. It is not only about murder — it is about anger. It is not only about adultery — it is about lust. It is not only about oaths — it is about integrity of heart and right judgment. Jesus is teaching us that sin begins internally. Before the hand acts, the heart has already chosen. Before the mouth speaks, the mind has already consented.

The senses are not evil in themselves. The eye can admire beauty — or fall into envy. The hand can bless — or harm. The mouth can praise — or destroy. The ear can listen to truth — or feed on gossip. Wisdom gives us agency over our senses. It helps us sever evil at its roots. It strengthens us to align our will with God’s will.

Sirach states explicitly: “Fire and water are set before you; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.” (Sir. 15:16) Every day we stretch out our hands. Toward resentment or forgiveness. Toward impurity or chastity. Toward bitterness or gratitude. Toward selfishness or sacrifice.

God does not take our freedom away because we choose wrongly. Instead, He invites us to grow in responsibility. He lets his light shine on us. The more we seek God’s will, the more our will unites with divine wisdom. And wisdom increases through righteousness.

As we approach Lent, perhaps one practical step is to adopt a saint as a spiritual companion. In light of Kelly’s advice, let their wisdom guide your choices. Let their struggle inspire perseverance. Let their example remind you that holiness is possible. Because at the end of the day, the crisis of humanity is not a lack of opportunity. It is a crisis of choice. Life and death are before us. Good and evil are before us. Fire and water are before us. Wisdom is the grace that helps us stretch out our hands toward life.

Readings: 1st- Sirach 15:15-20; 2nd- 1 Cor. 2:6-10; Gospel- Matt. 5:17-37

Reflection Questions

1.    Where in my life right now am I being invited to choose between “fire and water” — between good and evil?

2.    What desires or inclinations most often influence my choices, and how can I bring them under the guidance of divine wisdom?

3.    Which saint can I intentionally walk with during this upcoming Lenten season as