24 February 2014 - contrast

24 February 2014 - contrast

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John
and approached the other disciples,
they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.

This is worldly wisdom at work.  There is "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" causing this argument.  Both the disciples that didn't go up on the mountain with Jesus and the scribes are arguing.  They can't cast out the demon.  Yet they both insist, most likely, that they are "wise and understanding" even so.  This is the prideful wisdom that is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic."  This kind of argumentative "wisdom" is powerless before the demon. 

This the the scene which Jesus comes down to find.  It is stark contrast to the true wisdom he imparts, wisdom which "is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity." Only this wisdom has power.  The contrast with worldly wisdom could hardly be more stark when the demon comes into the presence of Jesus, the one who is true wisdom.

And when he saw him,
the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions.
As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around
and foam at the mouth.

In the presence of Jesus the arguments of the crowds become moot.  They are set aside and forgotten.  In the presence of the wisdom of Jesus there is the first glimpse of true hope.  Jesus is not moved by the disorder and division of the crowds.  He is not distracted by arguments.  He is a fixed point of unshakable peace amidst the chaos and the noise.

Then he questioned his father,
“How long has this been happening to him?”
He replied, “Since childhood.
It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him.
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

At first the faith he experiences is partial, half hope and half desperation.  The longer he stays in the presence of the shepherd who is peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity the more this faith builds.

Jesus said to him,
“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”

Now the peace that never wavers in the heart of Jesus himself is unleashed into the circumstances around him.  Faith is the key which unlocks this flood of grace.

“Mute and deaf spirit, I command you:
come out of him and never enter him again!”

Without prayer we will find ourselves powerless before the demons that surround us.  In prayer we place our faith in Jesus and open ourselves to be transformed by his precepts, precepts which "give joy to the heart."  This relationship with Jesus is the source of every good fruit.  The peace that he gives is a fixed point in a world of storms.  This is why the "fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever".

LORD, we do believe, help our unbelief.  If we look dead to those around us may your hand raise us up to stand in your presence in praise you!


Let us remember the contrast between the wisdom from on high and earthly when we are trying to discern God's voice in prayer.  In prayer our thoughts may arise from ourselves, but also from angels, demons, and from God himself.  We learn from the seventh rule for discernment of St. Ignatius of Loyola that, if we are on the path, if we "go on from good to better", then "the good Angel touches such soul sweetly, lightly and gently, like a drop of water which enters into a sponge."  In other words, we perceive the good fruits of wisdom which we read about today.  If evil thoughts arise we perceive them for what they are.  They touch us sharply "with noise and disquiet."


It is different for "those who go on from bad to worse."  Goodness can initially be unsettling to them just as it is to the demon possessed boy.  But as Jesus casts the demons forth the people whom they oppressed will also experience peace in the wisdom of God.