In the liturgical calendar, Feria III after the Second Sunday after Pentecost offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the themes of righteousness and vigilance, as illustrated in the readings from Wisdom 4:7-14 and Luke 12:35-40. These passages remind us of the transient nature of life and the importance of being ever-ready for the Lord’s coming.
Wisdom 4:7-14: The Righteous Taken Early
The passage from the Book of Wisdom speaks of the early death of the righteous as a sign of God’s favor rather than His displeasure. It reads:
“But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age.” (Wis. 4:7-9)
This scriptural excerpt is a beautiful reminder that God’s ways are not our ways and that His wisdom surpasses human understanding. The Church Fathers provide profound insights into this passage, particularly highlighting the virtue and reward of the just.
St. Augustine, in his City of God, contemplates the early death of the righteous as a deliverance from the potential sin and corruption of the world. He writes, “He who does not live long in this world is not deprived of an opportunity for virtue, but rather is spared from future temptations” (City of God, Book I, Chapter 10).
St. Ambrose also reflects on this, suggesting that the righteous are taken to spare them from witnessing the evil that may come. In his Commentary on the Book of Wisdom, he states, “God in His providence often removes the righteous from this world to prevent them from being corrupted by the increasing wickedness around them.”
Luke 12:35-40: The Call to Vigilance
In the Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus exhorts His disciples to be ever-watchful and prepared for His return:
“Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Luke 12:35-36)
This passage underscores the necessity of constant vigilance and readiness, a theme echoed by the Church Fathers in their writings.
St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on this parable, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparedness. He writes, “To have our loins girded means to be prepared in soul and spirit for the journey, and to have our lamps burning is to shine forth in good works.”
St. Gregory the Great in his Homilies on the Gospels, underscores the unexpected nature of Christ’s return, urging Christians to live in a state of perpetual readiness. He remarks, “The last hour is uncertain so that every hour may be watched” (Homily 13).
Integrating the Messages
Combining these reflections, we see a unified call to live a life of righteousness and preparedness. Wisdom 4:7-14 teaches us that a virtuous life is valued by God irrespective of its length, and Luke 12:35-40 admonishes us to remain vigilant, with our lamps burning brightly through our good works and faith.
St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, masterfully integrates these themes by encouraging the faithful to live righteously and be ever watchful. He advises, “Let us then, brethren, always be ready for the Bridegroom’s return, for in being prepared, we honor the life God has given us and the promises He has made.”
Conclusion
As we meditate on these readings during Feria III after the Second Sunday after Pentecost, let us be inspired by the wisdom of the Church Fathers. Their teachings remind us that true righteousness is not measured by the length of our days but by the depth of our virtue and our readiness for the Lord. May we keep our lamps burning and our loins girded, living lives that reflect the light of Christ in anticipation of His glorious return.