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A man shared a story with me about a fellow-clergy member. This man was offering his last sermon before beginning retirement. He spoke to his congregation, "A man ascended in a hot air balloon. He did not know where he was, and he prayed. God spoke to him, "You're in a hot air balloon." 'Oh, am I?" came the reply. The pastor replied, "Such is the case of many ... pastors. They are saying the right things but without any substance."
The accounts above of St. Francis and the retiring pastor~which would apply to a large number of pastors and teachers in many Christian groups (that is a reason I withheld denominational identity given by the pastor)~offer suggestions for consideration. Among the considerations is "substance."
The Old Testament speaks of "wisdom" in four ways. Wisdom includes practical knowledge of life, knowledge of the Torah (religious law, divine teachings, Books of Moses), direct revelation, and insight into the deeper, spiritual meanings (significances) of spiritual teaching. The first is not necessarily spiritual. Almost anyone can become expert in biblical knowledge, given effort and time. Few persons are given direct revelation, and most persons do not even assume it is possible~it is~, or they assume it is only for supposedly more holy or knowledgeable persons. Last, there is a deeper spiritual significance to all divine revelation, but it is beyond where most persons discern. This remains untouched in most biblical and religious instruction.
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To me, this last meaning of "spiritual wisdom" is what is the "substance" lacking in much preaching and teaching in the churches. We have too many persons who can give Bible lessons and Sunday pulpit speeches, as well as write religious books...: doctrinally correct, but lacking spiritual depth. How many unveil the deeper spiritual significances of the Holy Bible and, likewise, embody that substantial Meaning in and through being and body before the people daily?
St. Bonaventure links the indepth spiritual wisdom of St. Francis to at least three matters. First, St. Francis lived a life devoted to virtue. Second, he was a man of contemplation. And, also, he was a man who overflowed with affection for God~he was more a lover than a thinker. Will less be asked of you and me in order to see the spiritual indepthness to the Scripture and share it with others, that they might desire likewise to see?
Suggested Reflection
Have you had a recent experience of receiving what you would term an indepth teaching from the Holy Spirit, given to you apart from study aids or just interpreting through your conceptual mind? Explain.
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