Scriptural Context
In the traditional Catholic calendar, the Feria II after the XI Sunday after Pentecost offers a rich opportunity for reflection on the depths of wisdom and the blessedness of those who hear the word of God and keep it. The selected readings from Sirach 24:14-16 and Luke 11:27-28 provide a profound foundation for contemplation.
Sirach 24:14-16
“I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon, and as a cypress tree on Mount Zion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Engaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odor like the best myrrh.”
These verses from Sirach personify Wisdom, depicting her in beautiful, natural imagery. Wisdom, here, is seen as exalted and flourishing, deeply rooted in divine providence and manifesting in varied and magnificent forms.
Luke 11:27-28
“And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
In Luke, Jesus redirects the praise of His biological mother to those who adhere to God’s word, emphasizing the importance of spiritual kinship over physical ties.
Reflection
Both passages invite us to reflect on the nature of true blessedness and wisdom, viewed through the lens of traditional Catholic teachings and the insights of the Church Fathers.
Wisdom in Sirach
St. Augustine, in his Confessions, extols the virtues of divine Wisdom, drawing parallels to the imagery in Sirach. He sees Wisdom as a reflection of God’s own nature, which is timeless, pure, and life-giving. Augustine writes, “In wisdom, which is Thyself, Thou dost move all things, and it is Thine to know all and to understand all, and in Thee we find our rest.”
Similarly, St. Thomas Aquinas interprets the cedars of Lebanon and the cypress of Mount Zion as symbols of the righteous who, through their closeness to God, attain exaltation and growth in virtue. Aquinas states, “The flourishing of the just in wisdom is a testimony to the nurturing power of divine grace.”
True Blessedness in Luke
The response of Jesus in Luke 11:27-28 shifts the focus from the physical motherhood of Mary to the spiritual motherhood that comes from obedience to God’s word. This theme is echoed by St. John Chrysostom, who emphasizes that true blessedness lies not in biological ties to Christ, but in living according to His teachings. Chrysostom remarks, “It is not the womb that bore Christ that is to be celebrated, but the spirit that keeps His commandments.”
Furthermore, St. Ambrose, in his commentary on Luke, highlights that while Mary is indeed blessed among women, her greatest blessing was her faith and obedience. Ambrose writes, “Her blessedness is magnified by her hearing the word of God and keeping it, thus becoming a model for all who seek to live in God’s grace.”
Application for Today
As we reflect on these passages during Feria II after the XI Sunday after Pentecost, we are called to seek wisdom that flourishes in divine grace and to understand that true blessedness comes from hearing and keeping the word of God. The exaltation of Wisdom in Sirach encourages us to root ourselves deeply in God’s teachings, allowing His grace to transform us into fruitful and fragrant witnesses of His love.
In light of Christ’s words in Luke, we are reminded to cherish and adhere to His teachings, recognizing that our spiritual relationship with Him is paramount. This spiritual kinship is accessible to all who commit to living according to His word, thus participating in the blessedness that He offers.
Conclusion
In summary, the readings from Sirach 24:14-16 and Luke 11:27-28 beautifully complement each other, offering a holistic view of wisdom and blessedness grounded in a life of faith and obedience. Inspired by the Church Fathers, we are invited to grow in divine wisdom and to cultivate a life that truly reflects the teachings of Christ, bearing the fruits of spiritual kinship with Him.
May this reflection guide us to deepen our faith, seek true wisdom, and live out the blessedness that comes from hearing and keeping the word of God.