Idiots

In the course of an old Seinfeld episode, Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza each try to argue that he is a bigger idiot than the other. Finally, George recounts how his own stupidity prevented his obtaining easily obtainable (worldly and decadent) things he had desired, punctuating his self-pity with the grandiose line:

For I am Constanza: Lord of the Idiots.

Actually, I think I am a bigger idiot (I am Penitens: Emperor of the Idiots).

Today’s Epistle and Gospel both relate how followers of Christ are considered idiots and otherwise looked down upon by the world.

Not many of you were wise
by human standards….
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world
to shame the wise…

"Blessed are the poor in spirit….
Blessed are you when they insult you….
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.

The world thinks we are idiots when we do not chase after worldly and decadent things.

In that sense, I am an idiot – and I would like to be even more idiotic.

Moreover, as smart and as educated and as experienced as we may be, our self-made wisdom barely rises to the level of idiocy in comparison to the unsurpassed goodness and infinite wisdom of our loving God.

Many intelligent people in this world don’t believe in God. The idea of an all-powerful, loving God in their minds conflicts with the reality of evil in the world. The real problem, of course, is all in their heads: that they don’t realize the finitude of their own wisdom and understanding. They are not infinite – God is.

We can and do know much... but not everything, and certainly not infinity - not until we see God face to face, bathe in the light of the Beatific Vision, and know even as we are known.

In the meantime, it is important to be humble, to be realistic, to recognize that we are idiots (in the eyes of the world, in comparison to others among us, and most of all in comparison to God) and by God’s grace to move forward in faith, knowledge, and love and in doing the will of the Lord.