For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

"Oh dear! It's Friday the Thirteenth! Maybe I should stay home today and cross my fingers that nothing bad happens."

Worldly wisdom responds: "Keep your head down and your mouth shut, and you'll be just fine."

Any survivor will advise that if you want to live safely and successfully you need to avoid taking a stand; fit in; never rock the boat. But you've got to admit that Jesus lacked street smarts, as did Martin Luther and Martin Luther King, who taught us that Christ has freed us from the limits of a superstitious and cynical world. God calls us to challenge the rules for success that we learn in school and to work and find joyful freedom.

This year another of my students in Lay School has chosen to leave her safe job to enter seminary, against all common sense - as I did 20 years ago. Foolish or wise?

Jesus says, "I'm sending you out on Friday the Thirteenth and every day. Don't be afraid. I'm with you!"