Educated Men
35. Jesuit Theologians to the Council of Trent
In these early days of the Society of Jesus the Pope made great use of the graduates of Paris.
Two companions of Ignatius, Diego Laynez and Alonso Salmeron were sent as theological experts to help the bishops at the Council of Trent. This Council was called to reform the Catholic Church in response to the Reformation.
Although mixing with cardinals and bishops during the day, Ignatius insisted that the pair keep their feet on the ground by living in poor accommodation and working in hospitals during their free time.
A thought to ponder
Though only about 30 years old during his earthly ministry Jesus showed a brilliant understanding of both human nature and the God of Love. This made his teaching very wise.
Consider the ways you have become wiser over the years.
Do people seek out your advice or counsel?
We need to ponder on what it is to be human to really understand ourselves and others.
Can you see areas of growth where you might benefit from a little reflection?
Scripture for the Day
As a way of praying today’s Scripture we suggest Imaginative Contemplation.
1 Kings 3:3-12 NRSVACE
Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt-offerings on that altar.
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’
And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.
God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,
I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you
Music for Today
O Sapientia – O Wisdom – Plainchant Magnificat with Advent antiphon, sung by ‘Bel Canto’
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