Reading 1 Wis 7:22b–8:1
In Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, Manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, Not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, Firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, And pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle. For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. For she is an aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nought that is sullied enters into her. For she is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness. And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; And passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom. For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence; for that, indeed, night supplants, but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom. Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.
Reflection
On the Reflection from Monday, November 13th, Father Michael wrote a comment at the bottom, with some very good and wise words on fear, Wisdom and Faith. In today's first reading from Wisdom, we are given a beautiful insight into Wisdom herself. What do these two things have in common?
In the comment Father Michael writes, of how fear can actually be good as a teacher. When Wisdom is involved in the thought process, fear can be good. However, he also writes how servile fear can be a way we trap ourselves and self destruct. I believe this kind of fear is void of Wisdom. In Father Michael's own words: "Also there is the fear that leads to wisdom This is one of the seven Spiritual Skills which you, Alaina, received on your Confirmation." For "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)
It is amazing to reflect on all the beautiful gifts God has given us to help ourselves and each other. The Saints realized this, and that is why many of them were able to give words of wisdom for us, to help us in our daily struggles. These words are filled with Wisdom herself.
From Saint Pope John Paul II:
"There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us."
From Saint Padre Pio:
"You must not be discouraged or let yourself become dejected if your actions have not succeeded as perfectly as you intended. What do you expect? We are made of clay and not every soil yields the fruits expected by the one who tills it. But let us always humble ourselves and acknowledge that we are nothing if we lack the Divine assistance."
So many of us tend to listen to the lies the devil fills our minds with, he is working overtime to help us destroy ourselves. You are important to God for He created you in His image and likeness, (Genesis 1:26). Listen to the words of this reading and know that it is in your power to hear the truth and to find Jesus is with you always. (Matthew 28:20)
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