The Depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)

Reflection on Readings for Sunday 15FEB20126

St. Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with divine mystery: “We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity… the hidden wisdom of God… predestined to be for our glory before the ages began… the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard… These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God” (1 Cor 2:6-10).

Catholic exegesis, drawing from Church Fathers like Augustine, sees this as the Spirit illuminating Christ’s mystery—eternal wisdom beyond human philosophy, hidden yet revealed to those who love God.

In the Hero’s Journey, this is the “innermost cave” or abyss: the hero confronts ultimate trials and receives a transformative boon. Myths parallel this—Odysseus descends to the underworld for prophetic knowledge, or Aeneas gains insight that reshapes Rome’s destiny.

Carl Jung’s individuation process aligns here: integrating the psyche’s hidden depths (the “shadow”) leads to wholeness. The brain’s default mode network activates during introspection and prayer, enabling insights beyond rational thought.

The Gospel Acclamation invites childlike openness: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life” (1 Sm 3:9; Jn 6:68), or “Blessed are you, Father… for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children” (Mt 11:25).

This isn’t elite knowledge—it’s grace-given. Invite the Spirit today through silent prayer or Scripture reading. Ask for revelation in your struggles. As you mature in faith, hidden wisdom emerges, transforming confusion into purpose. What depths is God inviting you to explore?

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