In the spirit of Feria IV after the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, we turn our hearts and minds to the wisdom and teachings found in Proverbs 31:10-31 and Matthew 12:46-50. These passages offer profound insights into the virtues of the ideal woman and the essence of true kinship in Christ. By drawing from the rich treasury of the Church Fathers, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of these scriptural readings.
The Virtuous Woman: Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 31:10-31 paints a vivid portrait of the virtuous woman, a paragon of diligence, wisdom, and fear of the Lord. This passage is not merely a commendation of a particular woman but serves as an exemplar of the virtues to which all Christians are called.
St. Jerome extolled the virtues described in Proverbs 31, emphasizing the spiritual and moral strength of the woman depicted. He wrote, “Let women imitate her who is praised in the Proverbs, who is said to have clothed her household in double garments and to have had no fear for her family in the winter” (Epistle 79). Jerome’s reflection highlights the industrious and caring nature of the virtuous woman, who provides for her household with foresight and love.
St. Augustine, in his work “On Christian Doctrine,” saw in this passage an allegory for the Church, the Bride of Christ. He interpreted the virtuous woman’s diligent works as the good deeds and faithfulness of the Church. Augustine stated, “The Church, therefore, is the house which is built upon a rock, and which does not fear the wintry storms of temptation, for she is provided with a double garment, the two commandments of love” (On Christian Doctrine, Book 3).
The Church Fathers also stressed the importance of inner beauty and virtue over outward appearances. St. John Chrysostom commented, “Beauty is not in the ornament of gold, or the braid of the hair, but in the ornament of the soul, in the incorruption of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (Homily 13 on 1 Timothy). This echoes the sentiments of Proverbs 31:30, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
The True Family of Christ: Matthew 12:46-50
In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus redefines the concept of family, stating, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” This passage underscores the spiritual kinship that transcends biological ties, emphasizing obedience to God’s will as the hallmark of true discipleship.
St. Cyprian of Carthage emphasized the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their earthly relations. He wrote, “The Lord’s disciples do not call themselves brothers on account of the flesh, but on account of the spirit. Hence, neither does the Church recognize those as brothers who do not keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (On the Unity of the Church, Chapter 4). Cyprian’s insight reminds us that our true family is found within the community of believers who live according to God’s commandments.
St. Ambrose highlighted the radical nature of Jesus’ teaching, noting that spiritual relationships are elevated above natural ones. He remarked, “Our Lord teaches us that kinship is not a matter of blood but of obedience to God’s will. Thus, He preferred those who heard and obeyed His word to His kinsfolk according to the flesh” (Exposition of the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke, Book 7).
St. Gregory the Great further elaborated on this idea by stressing the importance of living out our faith through actions. He said, “He is truly my brother and sister and mother who understands my will and acts upon it” (Homilies on the Gospels, Homily 3). Gregory’s words call us to embody our faith in tangible ways, demonstrating our kinship with Christ through our deeds.
Conclusion
The readings for Feria IV after the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost invite us to reflect on the virtues of the ideal woman and the nature of true familial bonds in Christ. The Church Fathers provide timeless wisdom, encouraging us to cultivate inner virtue, prioritize spiritual kinship, and live out our faith through obedient action.
As we meditate on Proverbs 31:10-31 and Matthew 12:46-50, let us strive to embody the virtues of the virtuous woman and recognize our true family in those who do the will of our Heavenly Father. In doing so, we honor the rich tradition of the Church and grow closer to the heart of Christ.