Our Holy Father Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem.
Day 16 of the Great Fast.
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 9:9-10:4; Vespers – Genesis 7:1-5; Proverbs 8:32-9:11.
Read Proverbs 8:32-9:11
In today’s reading, Wisdom calls out, inviting all to her house, which is built on seven pillars. The Church Fathers saw in this an image of the Church, founded and upheld by Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Revelation, the Spirit is called “the seven Spirits of God” (Rev 3:1), and Isaiah 11:2-3 lists these gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, godliness, and the fear of the Lord. These are the pillars upon which the Church stands, and they are given to each of us in Chrismation.
Yet, how often do we make use of them? Do they remain active in our hearts, shaping our choices and deepening our love for God? Or have they become like old keepsakes, tucked away in the back of a closet, forgotten and unused?
This Great and Holy Lent is a time to rediscover these gifts. We are called to dust them off, to pray for the Lord to renew them in us. Wisdom and understanding help us to see the world through God’s eyes. Counsel and might give us strength to do His will. Knowledge and godliness draw us deeper into His truth. And the fear of the Lord—the beginning of all wisdom—keeps us in humble reverence before Him.
Let us ask today for a renewal of these gifts. Let us seek wisdom, pray for understanding, and act with courage. The Church stands firm on these seven pillars, and through them, we too are upheld in Christ. May this Lent be a time of rediscovery, so that the Spirit may guide us into all truth, and we may walk as true children of God.