Franciscan spirituality sees all of creation as a scripture of sorts. Saint Bonaventure told us that God’s footprints permeate every speck of creation. We see these footprints in the intelligence that guides the evolutionary process, in the structural similarities between a tiny atom and larger solar systems, and in the infinite number of complex functions taking place within the human body every second of our existence to keep us alive. All of this is the mind of God operating within creation, the Logos which guides, organizes, and directs the ever-unfolding evolution of the cosmos.
Wisdom is our human capacity of tuning into and understanding the mind of God. We are meant to hear God, to think with God, and to create with God. Wisdom guides us in the direction of what is true, beautiful, and good, and leads us to a good and fruitful life. We do not avail ourselves of wisdom through books and lectures, but in the silence born of meditative communion with God. From such communion we can hear the voice of wisdom in nature, in the traditions of our ancestors, in the world’s scriptures, in our own consciences, and in legitimate sources of authority. Wisdom and love are always flip sides of the same coin: without wisdom there is no love, and without love there is no wisdom. Wisdom guides the energies of love to their highest potential. The Book of Proverbs reminds us, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get wisdom.”
When moments of Wisdom
Come to me from the silence,
I will thank you, Divine Beloved.
