Saturday of week 25 in Ordinary Time 



Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8

Psalm 89(90):3-6,12-14,17

Luke 9:43-45



THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD PERFECTS OUR VIRTUOUS LIFE 




In today's Gospel, Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, ascends to Jerusalem and discloses to them, for the second time, his impending suffering. However, the disciples fail to comprehend the messianic revelation, indicating their incomplete understanding of his mission.


It is widely acknowledged among believers that the supreme and most profound form of knowledge is the acquaintance with God, and this spiritual knowledge serves as a source of fortitude for Christians, bolstering their faith. Throughout the Scriptures, believers are frequently described as individuals enlightened and instructed by the Lord. They are said to possess an anointing from the Holy One, and it is the distinctive role of the Spirit to guide them into all truth, ultimately fostering the growth of their faith.



Furthermore, knowledge acts to reinforce love and faith. It serves as the gateway through which we perceive our Savior. Analogously, knowledge serves to depict the image of Jesus, and upon seeing this representation, our affection for him is kindled. It is impossible to deeply love a Christ whom we have not come to know to some extent. The greater our knowledge of his virtues, his deeds on our behalf, and his present actions, the deeper our love for him becomes.


Moreover, knowledge enhances hope. Without awareness of the existence of something, how can we hope for it? Hope may be likened to a telescope, but without instruction, our ignorance obstructs the lens, rendering us unable to perceive anything. Knowledge eliminates this obstruction, allowing us to peer through the clear lens and anticipate the revealed glory with joyful confidence.



Additionally, knowledge equips us with the rationale for patience. Without some understanding of the compassion of Christ and the good that will emerge from our heavenly Father's corrective measures, we would lack the capacity for patience. Not a single aspect of the Christian's character will fail to be nurtured and perfected by divine knowledge. Therefore, it is imperative that we not only grow in grace but also the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


Finally, patience is the virtuous companion and offspring of faith. We eagerly await when we are assured that our wait will not be in vain. It is both our duty and our privilege to steadfastly wait upon the Lord in service, worship, expectation, and trust throughout our lives.





Undoubtedly, we will be tested, and our faith will be subjected to trials. However, genuine faith will endure continuous testing without immediate yield. If we reflect on how patiently and graciously the Lord awaited us, we will not grow weary of waiting upon Him. "The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action" (Daniel 11:32). The Lord will protect us as a shepherd guards his flock.



"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all the day" (Psalm 25:5).

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