Expert: Tom Schott - 2/27/2006

Question
I have two questions, you pick which one you can answer best. I am in the deaconate program and I have been asked to research and give my thoughts to the following questions about Wisdom and how it may play in my ministry as a Deacon.
1. How can you see wisdom as a model for your ministry?

2. Describe briefly the two main theology/spiritualiy of the bible. Does understanding them help us understand our own spirituality and help in ministry to others?

Thanks for any insights what so ever. For some reason I am confused as to what I am expected to research. The more I ask about the question the more I get that it is a personal question. So I asked if I could get others opinions, and that was ok as long as I made it what I thought. Help!
Rich

Answer
Rich,

 It is a personal question. That's the way I'd answer it. And I'm going to be brief. Either of these is really too involved a question to handle in a forum like this.

Wisdom: it's the virtue, quality, insight that allows one to live in the "big picture." The wise person never forgets what's really going on. God is Mystery: we don't understand God and never will. All our theologies and catechisms are blather when it comes to the reality of God. We don't have any answers. Wisdom accepts this and realizes that love of neighbor is the sum total of what we're to do here. That's all God asks of us. And Jesus showed us who God is and what he does. He forgives, he heals, he hangs out with the downtrodden, he hates hypocrisy, he is a person of peace, and breaks rules. Justice and compassion--wisdom understands that this is it. Do this and you will bring about the kingdom.

Good luck.

Tom