The last sentence from our first reading, the second letter of Peter, reminds us to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” How do we grow in grace? This reading recalls the trials, the stability, and the opportunity to look to the signs of the times and to be principled. But besides looking to the skies and the realities of nature, do we take the time to read and learn from our Sacred Scriptures and church-related documents?

Since the Second Vatican Council invited all Catholics to look at the signs of the times and grow in wisdom and knowledge with church documents, we have had a marvelous array of work accomplished with popes, especially issuing statements and care that help us grow in grace.

Our Gospel reminds us that Christ was always called “the teacher,” and many times, you could hear the sarcasm used by the Pharisees, Herodians, or Sadducees. They mocked the grace that came from the Lord; his life was about growing in wisdom and knowledge, as Jesus did as a child through adulthood. Yet today’s Gospel reminds us to be in the world, learn from it, grow through the treasures around us, and repay God for our whole lives.

We are called to use the gift of our brains to expand them and take some time to learn and grow in the great wealth of Eucharistic history, theology, and spirituality. As we prepare for summer, Eucharistic Congresses both here and in Ecuador, may we take a moment to learn something new, re-read a familiar text, expand our horizons, and recognize that grace comes when we grow in God through the wealth of texts devoted to our life of Eucharistic evangelizing.

Prayer

O God of all knowledge and grace, in every age, you have enlightened our minds and hearts to know the hope and richness of your wisdom. Fill us with kindness and gladness so that we may develop our knowledge to be mindful of all the riches of this Eucharistic life. Through Christ our Lord.