March 16, 2022

The Holy Martyrs Sabinus and Papas (284-305)
Isaiah 10:12-20; Genesis 7:6-9; Proverbs 9:12-18
Great Fast Day 17. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.

Read Proverbs 9:12-18

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

While small in stature, in no way was he small in living his Christian life. I am speaking of a priest by the name of Fr. Bob, beloved by many, now reposed in the Lord a good many years. He had a very sharp mind, and very easy way about him. His New York City accent made his accounts of past experiences seem absolutely incredible, and at the same time, very credible. He was a man who had attained some measure of wisdom, that was gained through everyday life, and was enflamed with the Holy Spirit. He, like us, had his own faults and shortcomings. But no one really paid attention to these. What they paid attention to was who he was in Christ, how he lived his life in Christ, and how he shared that life easily with others. Perhaps we know someone like Fr. Bob.

This is a characteristic of one who seeks the wisdom of God; others will gather around him or her. Wisdom that is attained is never for oneself, but to be shared with others. Wisdom and her benefits have their natural end to be shared. Today, it is expressed positively in one sentence: “My son, if you become wise in yourself, you shall also be wise toward your neighbour.” It is contrasted with a foolish woman. Foolishness is exemplified by selfishness, even an arrogant selfishness.

Let us ask the Lord today to continue to raise us in His Holy Wisdom, and to be finished with foolishness! May He grant us to know someone who chases after Holy Wisdom!