It’s easy to get lost in the noise and confusion of life and not find answers to what we seek. We seek answers to our deepest questions but often come up empty-handed. Noise and doubts becloud our minds. Yet, as people of faith, we believe God has given us all we need to find these answers. Faith and wisdom help us discern them. As the book of Sirach (42:15-22) reminds us, God’s works are all around us, in the beauty of nature and the intricacies of creation. In this reflection, I explore three biblical readings that show us how to find God’s wisdom in the world. Consequently, I reflect on how to ask for the spiritual sight we need, and find answers to our fundamental questions.

God’s Wisdom

The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the vastness of God’s wisdom, which is present in every aspect of creation. God’s works do His will and bring glory to His name; even the holy ones can never fully understand their wonder. Yet, as we see in Psalm 33, God’s word is trustworthy and full of kindness and justice. By His word, He created the heavens and the earth, and He gathered the waters of the sea. God’s word is an invitation to revere the Lord, for He is the light of the world, and whoever follows him will have the light of life (John 8:12).

In the Gospel of Mark 10:46-52, we see a concrete example. Jesus gives us the spiritual sight to find answers. Bartimaeus, the blind man, cries out to Jesus for help. Despite the rebukes of those around him, he persists until Jesus stops and asks him what he wants. “Master, I want to see,” Bartimaeus replies. Through his faith, he is healed and able to follow Jesus on the way.

Ask as Bartimaeus Did

So how can we, too, find the spiritual sight we need to see God’s wisdom in the world around us? How do we feel confident that God is at work even when we’re going through excruciating life experiences? As Bartimaeus did, the first step is to ask for the Lord’s help and guidance. Next, we need to be open to the nudges and whispers that come our way. Whether they be through a persistent impulse to pray, resign to God’s Holy Will, serve as intercessors in prayer for someone, or have a curiosity about the world that leads us to discoveries and answers. Finally, we must be willing to listen, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging. Trust that God is guiding us along the way.

Seek Spiritual Sight

The second step is to seek the theological eye of perception, which allows us to see the world through the lens of faith. Finally, we must ask for spiritual sight, which begins with faith. When we ask for spiritual sight, we open ourselves to seeing God’s hand in our lives.

God gives faith as a gift. Open hearts receive more of it. They find answers to their spiritual thirst. Thus, we learn to recognize and interpret the signs and symbols of God’s wisdom in nature. It also entails seeking sources of spiritual nourishment and support, such as the church and sacramental life, the community, prayer, and regular reading of Scripture. Finally, it means being intentional about our spiritual practices and making time for God amidst the busyness of life. God whispers all the time. Give God your silent attention to hear.

Act on What You See and Receive

Finally, we must be willing to act on what we see and hear and use our spiritual sight for the good of others and the world around us. It might mean volunteering at a local charity or service organization, visiting the sick, advocating for justice and compassion in our communities, or simply reaching out to someone in need. Practicing those seven corporal works of mercy and the seven spiritual works of mercy we learned from our basic Catholic social teachings is an excellent way to act. Thus, by living out our faith in concrete ways, we deepen our spiritual outlook and become agents of God’s love and wisdom in the world.

Faith, Discernment, and Service

Discovering God’s wisdom in nature requires asking, seeking, and acting. Through faith, discernment, and service, we can find the spiritual sight we need to see the world as God intended. So let us take courage, cultivate our theological eye of perception, and trust the Lord’s guidance and wisdom. As we open ourselves to these experiences and divine answers, we will find joy and spiritual satisfaction beyond measure and become beacons of light and hope for those around us. Ask, and you shall see. The kingdom of God is all around us;  it beckons discovery.

As we celebrate Saint Justin the Martyr, whose wisdom and depth of knowledge testify to a believer who asked, sought, and remarkably served the Lord, may we likewise lead as witnesses of God’s presence in our world today. Amen.

Today’s Daily Inspiration

Aristotle once said that “those who wish to succeed must ask the right preliminary questions.” In your spiritual life you might have several questions. This one-minute inspirational video provides clues to the right questions with the right answers.

Consider Watching this Sermon on One of Today’s Greatest Sins and How to Avoid It

In this enlightening sermon, Fr. Maurice Emelu delivers an important message about freedom and choice and reveals the biggest sin of today. Prepare to open your eyes and be challenged as you watch this thought-provoking talk. Pass it on.