I’m stupid

It is a sad commentary on so much that is wrong in our world today, but every once in a while you still see it: someone wearing a t-shirt with a big arrow pointing to one side and saying, “I’m with Stupid.” Even more sadly, the person sometimes has a companion whose t-shirt proudly proclaims “Stupid.”

I myself would like to think that I am not stupid: I went to college for a number of years and I have learned even more in the years since then.

And yet, very often I am reminded again of how my wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence fall short.

I feel stupid.

This is especially true when dealing with anything that has to do with God and most especially when bad things happen in the lives of good people.

Why do little children die of cancer?

How can devout and doctrinally faithful leaders fall into serious public sin?

How can God’s chosen people reject God’s only Son?

In today’s first reading (Romans 11:29-36), St. Paul has been wrestling with this last question: an issue that is personally painful for him. He has an idea of how it could have happened and how God can bring a greater good out of it, but he also stands intellectually humble before the infinite mystery of God’s ways.

So may we do, learning what we can and using whatever intellectual gifts as well as we can, but ultimately recognizing our limitations as we place ourselves, our loved ones, and our world in the loving hands of our omnipotent, omniscient God.

Oh, the depth
of the riches
and wisdom
and knowledge of God!

How inscrutable are his judgments
and how unsearchable his ways!

For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given him anything
that he may be repaid?

For from him
and through him
and for him
are all things.

To God be glory forever.
Amen.