Occasionally the Bible even quotes the Bible. Here the prophet Isaiah is quoted by St. Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth to be heard in this coming Sunday’s second reading at Mass. The Apostle instructs the newly converted Church, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the human heart what things God has prepared for those who love him.” (ICor.2:9) St. Paul cautions his readers that he is speaking here of “God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory, and which none of the rulers of this age knew.” (ICor.2:7)
St. Paul had also written to the Church at Ephesus about the intense awareness that awaited true believers both in this world and the next: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.” (1:3-6)
A little later the Apostle will affirm again how fortunate Christian believers are to be granted perceptions and discernments coming from the very heart of God Himself: “When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit...” (3:3-4)
Yes, the graces of God bestowed even in this life are unfathomable. To be born into a Christian family, to be educated in the Catholic faith, to maintain a Godly lifestyle in a secular world, to keep alive a vibrant hope for eternal happiness in a world so immersed in secular values, to share these Christian values with family, friends and society – these are rare and select gifts from God mysteriously bestowed on so few in the present generation. Such exclusive generosity on the part of God toward any believer must in justice and gratitude be wisely and heartedly embraced, treasured and acknowledged. The gifts of God must be recognized, relished and lived.
The Gospel acclamation this Sunday briefly reminds the worshipper that the precious graces and prized gifts from God to be treasured in the this life and experienced in the next life are more readily available than the believer might expect. Jesus thanks his Father for the extent of his astonishing love: “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.” (Mt.11:25) And Jesus laments at the beginning of this Sunday’s lengthy Gospel passage that many believers who should be appreciating God’s unfathomable graces and gifts are falling short of their noble call: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.5:20)
In his celebrated Sermon on the Mount, from which this Sunday’s Gospel is taken, Jesus roundly denounces physical violence, marital infidelity, and dishonest dealings among any who would be his authentic followers. But the Christian message is not just about human conduct. The true Christian will not only lead a respectable life; the genuine Christian will maintain as well an interior life, a life of the Spirit, that will take on the impossible task of appreciating daily “what things God has prepared for those who love him.”
The authentic Christian life is a thoughtful life, a prayerful life, a life of reflection on, consideration of and gratitude for the wideness of God’s mercy that strengthens the believer in this life and perfects the believer in the next life. Some fortunate souls have given their entire lives over to the contemplation of God’s unfathomable gifts. The Church is of course grateful for the Benedictine, Cistercian, Carthusian, Carmelite and many other men and women who daily commit themselves to the contemplation of “those things God has prepared for those who love him.” But all believers are called to consider, no matter how feebly, the wonderful gifts of God mercifully bestowed in this life and happily fulfilled in the next life.
