O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! (Romans 11:33)

When someone uses an exclamation point, you know they’re pretty excited. So when Paul speaks of God’s “riches,” “wisdom,” and “knowledge,” you know he is speaking from an overflowing heart. Paul is expressing something almost beyond words, but he wants us to understand, as much as possible, how incredible God is. So let’s meditate on these three characteristics of God and see if we can’t catch some of his excitement.

First, look at God’s “riches.” We have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing” in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Through Jesus’ death, we have been freed from the curse of sin. Imagine: We no longer have to live enslaved to fears, resentments, addiction, or anything else that keeps us from knowing God’s love. We are a new creation!

What about God’s “wisdom”? Human wisdom could never match God’s “unconventional” plan for saving the world: He is born to a poor family, works as a carpenter, then after only three years of ministry is executed as a criminal. Twelve men, mostly uneducated, spread his message and end up changing the world. We should stand in awe of a God who can do this, for his ways are as high above our ways “as the heavens are higher than the earth” (Isaiah 55:9).

Finally, consider God’s “knowledge.” Of course he knows everything, but he also knows us. When we think we’re completely alone, he tells us, “I know all about you! I knew you before you were born. I love you and I am standing with you right now.” Let us give praise and thanks to the Lord that he has given us the grace to know him as well, and that we can truly say, “How great are your works Lord, and how deep are your designs!” (Psalm 92:6).

“Lord, I bow down before you. I praise you for your splendor, your glory, and your power. Thank you for your presence. Fill me to overflowing with the joy of your Holy Spirit!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading from Isaiah, the Lord tells us that Eliakim “shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah,” and the Lord will “fix him as a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.” Whether you are a father or not, what can you do to bring greater honor to your family? If you are a father, how would you need to change to be the kind of father to your family that is described in the first reading?
   
    
2. When the responsorial psalm asks the Lord not to forsake the work of his hands, it suggests we are a “work in progress.” What specifically can you do to make yourself available to the Lord for some additional tweaking?
   
    
3. In the second reading, St. Paul is almost bowled over just thinking of God’s greatness. Does reflecting on God’s greatness make him more or less approachable to you? Take some time in the upcoming weeks to reflect on God’s greatness and ask him to draw you closer to him? Share the results of this at your next meeting.
   
    
4. In the Gospel today, Jesus assures Peter and the Apostles that Satan will never prevail against the Church. This same confidence should inspire you as well, since you are a member of his Church. What steps can you take to increase your confidence in this reality in your own life?
   
    
5. Who do you say the Son of Man is? Specifically, what role does Jesus have in your life?
   
    
6. Today’s meditation asks if we can catch some of St. Paul’s excitement in knowing God, especially in knowing the “depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God.” How could you change your prayer time to include focusing on these great characteristics of God, and others as well?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen