As we journey through the liturgical calendar, the richness of the scriptures and their profound connection to the teachings of the Church Fathers offer us deep spiritual insights. Today, we reflect on passages from Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) and the Gospel of Luke, contemplating their significance in the context of Feria V after the First Sunday after Pentecost.
Wisdom’s Eternal Presence: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 24:5; 14:7; 14:9-11; 24:30-31
Ecclesiasticus 24:5:
“I came out of the mouth of the most High, the firstborn before all creatures.”
This verse beautifully portrays Wisdom as eternal, proceeding from God Himself. The Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine, often identified this personification of Wisdom with Christ, the Logos, who is co-eternal with the Father. St. Augustine writes, “For Wisdom is the Word of God, co-eternal with the Father” (St. Augustine, Confessions, Book 7).
Ecclesiasticus 14:7:
“And if a man gains knowledge, he will be able to continue, and as one who stores up treasure, he will lay up his goods.”
St. Gregory the Great reminds us that true knowledge and wisdom come from God and must be sought with a humble and contrite heart. He teaches that the pursuit of wisdom is akin to laying up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys (St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job).
Ecclesiasticus 14:9-11:
“For a man’s thoughts will sometimes turn to his neighbors, but his own gain comes first. He will not consider the long-term, only the short-term, and the gain from unjust dealings will end up hurting him.”
Here, the warning against selfishness and short-term gains is clear. St. John Chrysostom urges Christians to seek the common good and eternal rewards over fleeting earthly pleasures. He says, “He who gives alms in imitation of Christ will receive not just temporal blessings, but eternal ones” (St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Statues).
Ecclesiasticus 24:30-31:
“I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all ages forever. Behold that I have not labored for myself only, but for all that seek wisdom.”
The continuity and perpetuity of divine wisdom is emphasized. St. Thomas Aquinas highlights that true wisdom serves all generations, aligning with God’s eternal nature and His salvific plan for humanity. “Wisdom is eternal, reaching from end to end mightily, and ordering all things sweetly” (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica).
The Annunciation: Luke 1:26-33
The Gospel of Luke recounts the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel brings the message of salvation to the Virgin Mary. This event marks the fulfillment of divine wisdom and the incarnation of the Word.
Luke 1:26-28:
“And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’”
St. Ambrose, in his commentary on Luke, highlights the significance of Mary’s humility and her unique role in salvation history. He writes, “Mary’s virginity and humility prepared her to be the Mother of God. Her ‘fiat’ opened the door to our redemption” (St. Ambrose, Expositio Evangelii secundum Lucam).
Luke 1:29-33:
“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’”
St. Athanasius emphasizes the incarnation as the central mystery of our faith, wherein God becomes man to redeem humanity. “The Word became flesh so that we might be made capable of being divinized” (St. Athanasius, On the Incarnation).
Conclusion
Reflecting on these passages during Feria V after the First Sunday after Pentecost, we are reminded of the eternal nature of divine wisdom and the humility and obedience required to embrace God’s will. The Annunciation stands as a pivotal moment in salvation history, exemplifying Mary’s perfect submission to God’s plan. As we meditate on these scriptures and the insights of the Church Fathers, may we seek to grow in wisdom and grace, aligning our lives with the divine will and eternal truths of our faith.
Let us pray for the grace to embrace divine wisdom and follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ever seeking to fulfill God’s will in our lives.
“O Wisdom, which cometh out of the mouth of the most High, reaching from end to end mightily, and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence.” (Antiphon from the O Antiphons)