The Age to Come (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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In this epistle reading, St. Paul continues the theme that we have seen in the past few weeks’ readings, which is divine wisdom being above the wisdom of the world. He speaks of how the rulers of this age could not comprehend the hidden wisdom of God, which had been kept obscured in past ages, but is now being revealed in Christ. He also mentions how these rulers rejected this wisdom by crucifying Christ, Who is God’s wisdom personified.

By speaking of “this age,” Paul hints at the idea that there is a new age that is dawning upon the world with the coming of Christ, which is gradually replacing the current age, but has not yet been fully brought about. This new age is characterized by the Kingdom of God, which has been inaugurated by Christ, and will be revealed in all its glory when He returns and brings about the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21-22).

There is also a hint of Trinitarian teaching in this passage: When St. Paul calls Jesus the “Lord of Glory,” he is referring to Him by a title that is used to refer to God in the Old Testament (Psalm 24:7-10, 29:3). He thus hints at Jesus’ divinity. Likewise, he tells us that only the Spirit can search the depths of the mind of God. The only way the Spirit can know the mind of God is if the Spirit is Himself divine.

Finally, we see St. Paul hinting at the glorious reward of those who trust in and love Christ when he states that no eye has seen, nor ear has heard what God has prepared. He is using language from Isaiah 64:4 and Sirach 1:10 to describe God’s plan for His people. In so doing, he paints a picture of an indescribable gift that awaits us when the age to come is fully realized. Therefore, let us continue to embrace God’s wisdom, in order that we will one day experience and enjoy this gift.

J. Luis Dizon