Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
The wicked say:
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training.
Let us see whether his words be true;
let us find out what will happen to him.
For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him.
The first reading from Sunday's worship offers us the opportunity to consider opposition. And there is still time to reflect on the Sunday readings before the weekend arrives.
Have you ever experienced a time when your own righteousness was "inconvenient" for someone? Have you ever come to a new venture full of enthusiasm and excitement, only to be opposed, not because your ideas were bad, but because others were too tired or pessimistic to share your enthusiasm? Have you ever gone out of your way to help someone, to be rewarded with abuse rather than thanks? In dealing with human beings, individually and collectively, in business or in the family, unpredictable opposition sometimes surfaces when you come forward with a new plan, an idea, an offer to help. The writer of Wisdom understands that opposition which does not always develop out of honest disagreement is more predictable and easier to cope with. We are seldom ready for the opposition that grows just because we have a better idea. Yet such is too often the case.