In the Book of Proverbs, Wisdom is “she.” Wisdom challenges us to use knowledge to build our house, to grow in understanding of what we know and “forsake foolishness,” which is prudence. St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches us that prudence is not about making choosing what is safe, but choosing right over wrong, good over evil. Knowledge, understanding, wisdom and prudence are four of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that we receive at Confirmation. We also receive the Gifts of courage, to overcome fear of choosing right and good; openness to the Holy Spirit to know God’s will; and awe of the Lord for all that he has give us.
In today’s Gospel [John 6:51-58] Jesus told is followers, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” He was telling them, and us, “If you imitate me you will have all that Wisdom wants for you, and more.” Are we aware that we have received those Gifts at Confirmation? Have we been prudent to accept them? Do we have the courage to use them?
