As we continue our journey through Lent, the readings of today’s liturgy invite us to meditate on the surpassing value of divine wisdom and the role of the faithful as light and salt in the world. Wisdom 7:7-14 exalts the gift of wisdom, while Matthew 5:13-19 calls us to live as true witnesses of Christ. In the spirit of the Lenten season—marked by penance, prayer, and almsgiving—these passages encourage us to seek wisdom above all earthly goods and to let our lives reflect the truth of the Gospel.
The Gift of Wisdom: The Supreme Treasure (Wisdom 7:7-14)
“Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me. And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.” (Wis 7:7-8)
Here, Solomon speaks of wisdom as a divine gift, one that surpasses all material wealth. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, echoes this sentiment when he describes his conversion: “Late have I loved Thee, O Beauty so ancient and so new! Late have I loved Thee! For behold, Thou wert within me, and I outside; and I sought Thee outside and in my deformity ran after those beautiful things which Thou hast made.” Augustine had once sought fulfillment in earthly pursuits, but when he found divine wisdom, he realized all else was vanity.
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, notes that “wisdom is not learned through books but is poured into the soul by God when sought with humility.” This Lenten season reminds us to pray fervently for this wisdom, to prefer it above fleeting pleasures, and to recognize that true knowledge comes from God alone.
Salt and Light: The Christian’s Role in the World (Matthew 5:13-19)
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:13-16)
These words of Our Lord challenge us to embrace our vocation as His disciples. Salt preserves and flavors, just as Christians are called to preserve the truth of the faith and bring the savor of divine grace to the world. Light dispels darkness, just as the lives of the faithful should shine with holiness and virtue.
St. Hilary of Poitiers comments: “The apostles are preachers of heavenly things and, as salt, they season and preserve the world with divine wisdom. But if they lose their savor—that is, if they fall into error or cowardice—they are cast out, for one who corrupts the faith cannot guide others.” These words should strike us with a holy fear, especially in Lent, a time for purifying our hearts and renewing our witness to Christ.
Likewise, St. Jerome exhorts us: “A lamp is not lit for itself, but for the one who has need of its light.” Our faith is not meant to be hidden, but shared boldly. Just as Christ did not keep His glory for Himself but revealed it for our salvation, we too must not keep our faith private but must live it openly, so that others may be drawn to the truth.
Lenten Application: Seeking Wisdom, Becoming Light
As we reflect on these readings in the spirit of Feria VI post Cineres, the message is clear: we must seek wisdom with a pure heart and live out that wisdom as salt and light in the world. Lent provides us with the perfect opportunity to deepen our prayer life, purify our desires, and renew our commitment to the Gospel.
Let us pray with St. Thomas Aquinas:
“Bestow upon me, O Lord my God, an understanding that knows Thee, wisdom in finding Thee, a life that is pleasing to Thee, perseverance that faithfully waits for Thee, and a confidence that shall embrace Thee at the last.”
May this season of grace find us ever more rooted in divine wisdom and ever more radiant with the light of Christ. Amen.