https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091921.cfm
I quote:
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.
end quote
In my teens I was a sea scout challenged by canoeing, and sailing dinghies in atrocious weather requiring me to call upon the training that I had received, to be able to ride out the storms that a teenager encountered. Being prepared for the dangers that lay in wait around every corner encouraged me to take instruction in the martial arts. Years later watching the occasional martial arts films, produced by a variety of Hong Kong based studios also enlightened me to the fact that kung fu training reduces tension, sufficiently not to respond with violence when threatened.
Today's readings invite each of us to remain calm, and patient when trials of any sort confront our sense of self respect. In the face of life's dramas our best response is to remain composed, offering us time to size up the circumstances. During those moments of reflection a remedy will emerge enabling us to deal effectively with the threats that life sends us.
Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me;I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me ~ The Book of Wisdom 7:7
Many years ago I accepted a free ticket to a martial arts event, filled with martial arts practitioners, and fans eager to watch their teachers demonstrate their skills. The only memory of that event that I carry with a smile, is of the five Chinese old men parading on stage inviting anyone from the audience to step forward and hit them. The youngest of those Chinese masters was 73 years of age. Some thirty very young men, flaunting their skills arrived on stage to demolish the old men. Not one of those young men was able to lay a hand on the old Chinese masters, moving their bodies with the speed of lightening.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you ~ Isaiah 26:3
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