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
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Pope Francis Special Bumper Edition of Faith Today
Click here to read Joanna Moorhead's blog from the Conclave and the Inauguration
Free Faith Pack
FREE Faith Pack
worth over £30/€50!!
with every new subscription to
Bible Alive or Faith Today.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Give it a go today!
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham with the latest Birmingham Catholic news and videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
