Daily Reflections

Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10

Every age has needed wisdom but our era, the modern era, according to the bishops of the Second Vatican Council, needs wisdom more than ever before: ‘Our era needs wisdom more than bygone ages if the discoveries made by humankind are to be further humanized. For the future of the world stands in peril unless wiser people are forthcoming. It should also be pointed out that many nations, poorer in economic goods, are quite rich in wisdom and can offer noteworthy advantages to others’ (Gaudium et Spes 15). Isn’t it an amazing observation that the future of the world is in peril unless wiser people come forward to lead and guide us?

The Wisdom books contained in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Hebrew Scriptures, provide us with a great source of wisdom. In the following days we will reflect on the teaching of one of these sages, Sirach, and the book we call Ecclesiasticus. Interestingly, Martin Luther and the Protestant reformers vetoed its inclusion in the canon of Scripture, but thankfully it was affirmed at the Council of Trent as the inspired Word of God and since then has been considered part of the canon. Today we sit at the feet of the sage and learn from him.

How do we get wisdom? How do we live wise and prudent lives? The key to wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Ecclus. 1:12) and we learn to fear the Lord by acknowledging God as God. This is the basic message of today’s reading. We learn that the wise bow down before God and recognize him as the source of wisdom and light. The sage proclaims: ‘All wisdom comes from the Lord’ (v. 1). It is often said that with age comes wisdom, but this is not true. There are many elderly fools and wise young people, just as there are many wise elderly people and many young fools. Wisdom is a gift from God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, but it also requires effort and application on our part. We cannot be wise unless we pray, read the Scriptures and study the teaching of the Church. We cannot be wise unless we humbly go to God for wisdom. God is the source and the fount of wisdom.

Lord, to all who ask you for the grace and gift of wisdom you give generously without finding fault. I need your wisdom to live a wise life.

Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10  •  Psalm 92(93):1-2, 5
Mark 9:14-29

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