As we reflect on the readings of Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16 and Luke 11:27-28 in the spirit of the Saturday after the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, we find ourselves invited to delve into the profound relationship between wisdom, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and true discipleship.
Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16 (Douay-Rheims):
“I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree on mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose plant in Jericho: as a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aromatical balm: I yielded a sweet odour like the best myrrh.”
In these verses, Wisdom personified speaks of being exalted and compares herself to the most noble and fragrant of trees and plants. This personification has been interpreted by the Church Fathers as a prophetic reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who embodies divine wisdom in her life and actions.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a fervent devotee of Our Lady, draws a beautiful parallel in his writings, seeing Mary as the true “Cedar of Libanus” and the “Fair Olive Tree.” He writes, “As the cedar is the queen of the trees, so is Mary the queen of virgins; as the plane tree, by the water in the streets, so is Mary by the water of divine grace” (Sermon on the Assumption). St. Bernard emphasizes that Mary’s exaltation is not just in her own right, but as a conduit of divine wisdom and grace to all believers.
Luke 11:27-28 (Douay-Rheims):
“And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
In this Gospel passage, we see a woman in the crowd praising Mary for her role as the mother of Jesus. However, Jesus redirects the praise to those who “hear the word of God and keep it.” This does not diminish Mary’s blessedness; rather, it highlights the deeper reason for her blessedness – her perfect obedience and acceptance of God’s word.
St. Augustine provides an insightful commentary on this passage, explaining that Mary is indeed blessed for being the Mother of Jesus, but even more so for her faith and obedience. He states, “She is more blessed in receiving the faith of Christ than in conceiving the flesh of Christ. For to the one who said, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore Thee,’ He Himself answered, ‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.’” (Sermon 72/A). Augustine underscores that true blessedness lies in hearing and keeping God’s word, exemplified supremely by Mary.
These readings together invite us to reflect on the exaltation of divine wisdom and the model of perfect discipleship. Mary, the Seat of Wisdom, embodies the virtues of humility, obedience, and fidelity to God’s will. As we meditate on these scriptures, we are called to emulate Mary’s example in our own lives, striving to hear and keep God’s word with the same fervor and faithfulness.
In this time after the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, let us ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may grow in wisdom and holiness. May we, like her, be exalted not for our own sake, but as bearers of divine grace and truth in the world. Amen.