Reflection for July 22nd 2011

From Loving the Two Halves of Life: The Further Journey
A Conference Presentation by Richard Rohr, OFM  

Years ago, in my theology class, I questioned the distinction between knowledge and wisdom as used both in Isaiah (11:2) and in Paul (1 Corinthians 12:8-9). Weren’t they two words for the same thing? I realize now that they are indeed quite different. Knowledge is a gift for the first half of life and is the collection of good information. Wisdom transmutes that information into something very different, as it synthesizes and integrates knowledge at a deeper level, usually through suffering.

We’ve become familiar in our technological and psychological age with the word synergy. A synergistic relationship is when a whole is created that is greater than the sum of its parts. Wisdom, it seems to me, is created by a wonderful synergy that goes beyond mere logic or information. Paul seems to be describing it when he says “God works together with us” to create good (Romans 8:28)—a good that is beyond either the sum of God or the soul, alone or apart. We first bring the good information and then grace transforms it into a higher substance. Those outside such a synergy usually cannot understand this kind of wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-15), and those inside that synergy have to bear their criticisms kindly. Perhaps that is what the Magdalene had to do when she washed Jesus’ feet publicly, stood at the foot of the cross, and waited at the tomb for an impossible resurrection.