Father’s Day, sometimes, brings with it the giving of gifts. And gifts received are treasured and kept forever. I am a proud father, and I have mine. But there certainly have been some ‘odd’ gifts given through the years that we may wish were never invented. For the ‘fix it’ kind of father, there is the forever stylish “Duct tape tie”. For the father always working on his golf game, there is toilet golf. For the high-tech father who wants to turn mowing the lawn into a video game, there is the VR lawn mowing simulator. For the father who is constantly saying “go ask your mother”, there is the perfect T-shirt that says just that. And finally, the finger shaped nose hair trimmer. Equal parts helpful as it is horrifying. But the most important gift fathers, and those who practice ‘fathering’ is the gift of listening. Fathers have that gift of deep listening.
Friends, today we gather at a time of crossing: the turning of a season, the milestone of graduation, and in many families — the celebration of fatherhood. And whether you are a parent, or a father, each of us plays a part in guiding the next generation, mentoring, teaching, accompanying others on their way. That’s why today’s theme “Welcoming Wisdom”…listening for wisdom is so timely. Listening for wisdom is what we need to walk our path. For wisdom is what we hope to pass along to those who come after us. But what is wisdom? How do we listen for her voice? Where does it come from? And how do we welcome it — especially in a world that often values quick answers over deep understanding?
This morning’s texts offer good guidance for this consideration. The Proverbs reading begins: “Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?” (Proverbs 8:1). From the very first verse in today’s reading from Proverbs, we hear that wisdom is not hidden. She is not locked away in a temple or reserved for the elite. Wisdom calls out — at the crossroads, at the city gates, in the places of decision and movement. This ancient poetry personifies Wisdom as a woman standing in public, calling to “all that live.” And if you listen closely, it’s almost as if she’s standing right here — at the door of every graduation ceremony, at the side of every mentor offering encouragement, in the quiet voice whispering to every young adult standing on the edge of “what’s next.” To be sure, Wisdom is not reserved for the past. She’s not dusty or worn. Wisdom is dynamic! She is alive — and she is calling to all who have open ears to listen.
The second half of the Proverbs passage gives us something that I think, is very profound: a glimpse into the origin story of wisdom. Long before creation. Long before the mountains were shaped or the oceans poured forth, Wisdom was with God. Like a skilled architect beside a master builder, Wisdom dances through creation. The last few verses of Proverbs describe it this way:“I was beside him, like a master worker, and I was daily his delight.” (Proverbs 8:30) What an image! Wisdom as God's partner, God’s joy. Wisdom isn’t just about knowing facts. This is about relational wisdom — wisdom that is embedded in the very structure of life. This wisdom rejoices in beauty, in justice, in compassion. And when we welcome wisdom into our lives, we are inviting in the very rhythm of God’s own joy. Shifting over to our second text that is found in the Gospel according to John. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, preparing them for the time when he will no longer be with them in person. He says: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:12–13) Consider the grace that is found in that statement! Jesus doesn’t dump everything on the disciples at once. He knows that wisdom takes time and so he promises the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who will continue to teach, guide, and reveal.
The Holy Spirit is how Wisdom is still speaking today. The Spirit leads us into understanding that is not static, but growing. It is understanding that meets us in each new chapter of life. That’s especially good news for those who are graduating, for those who are mentoring, for those who are transitioning into new roles. The Spirit doesn’t give a map. But the Spirit gives a companion — the very presence of God whispering, nudging, affirming, and (usually) challenging us to move forward. So what does it mean to welcome wisdom? The answer will be as unique as you are. At core, I think, it starts by stopping and listening. Listening, not just to the noise of the world, but to the deep call of the Spirit. To the wisdom that shaped creation and still speaks through scripture, prayer, community, and reflection. It is about listening to God speak to you…however that arrives. It means we humble ourselves. Because, Wisdom rarely shouts. Wisdom often comes in the quiet, in the counsel of a mentor, in the challenge of a child, in the reflection of a long walk or a hard question.
And welcoming wisdom means we become mentors ourselves. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, neighbor, or simply someone who’s walked a little further down the path — you carry the Spirit of truth within you. You don’t need all the answers. But you have some of them inside. You need only to be present, faithful, and ready to share what you’ve learned with love, compassion and grace. This is especially vital today. Because as we celebrate graduates, we do so not just to applaud their accomplishments, but to encourage their listening. The world will give them many voices. Our task is to help them tune their hearts to Wisdom’s call.
To you who are graduating: congratulations. You have completed something significant. And now you stand on the edge of a new adventure. It is tempting to think this next chapter will be all about achievement, success, progress. But may I offer a counter-wisdom? Let your next chapter be about listening. Don’t rush past the voice of Wisdom. Make room for the Spirit’s guidance. Listen to mentors, to friends, to your own questions. Listen to the voice of compassion, the voice of justice, the voice of peace. Trust that God is still speaking. And remember: you don’t go alone. The Spirit of truth goes with you. Christ walks with you. And this church, this community of wisdom listeners, surrounds you with prayer and love.
Let us listen. Let us teach. Let us trust. For Wisdom still stands at the crossroads…she still speaks… she calls to all who live. Will we listen for her gentle voice?
Amen.