Proverbs 9:1-6: God’s Yardstick – Wisdom
Wisdom’s Feast
Mary urges Jesus to step into his ministry. Jan Vermeyen: The Marriage Feast at Cana
Sunday, January 15, 2023
In these opening weeks of a new year, we have looked at women in scripture who see and use God’s yardstick in their lives. We conclude our look at women today with a reflection on wisdom described as a woman who invites all to her feast. When we take time to consider the portraits of the special women we have seen over the past two weeks, we understand how their lives can serve as tangible yardsticks for us to use today.
Moses’ sister waits along the banks of the Nile until her baby brother is pulled from the reeds by Pharaoh’s daughter. Anselm Feuerbah: Miriam
We pause to consider the spaces we inhabit at home, at work, at prayer and at play. Are they sacred, serene dwellings that invite others to enter? Do these places bring us peace?
Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home;
it’s supported by seven hewn timbers.
The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted,
wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers.
Naomi shares wisdom with her daughter-in-law Ruth.
We pause to consider what we do with the peace we find. Do we hold it closely to ourselves? Do we share it with others?
Having dismissed her serving maids,
Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place,
and invites everyone within sound of her voice: “Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on?
We pause to consider how our serenity becomes evident to the world. Does it nurture us and others in our struggle to live the Beatitudes? Does it sustain us as we move into a world that measures with a yardstick that is often far different from God’s?
Judith relies on the trust engendered by her long and faithful relationship with God, and acts to save her people.
“Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me!
I’ve prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread,
roast lamb, carefully selected wines.
Leave your impoverished confusion and live!
Walk up the street to a life with meaning.”
We pause to consider how the world reacts to Lady Wisdom. Do we give in to the pressures of the world, or do we move forward in our journey with God despite the obstacles?
We find strength in the gentle yet persistent heart of Lady Wisdom.
For more reflections on Wisdom, enter the word into the blog search bar and explore.
Images from: http://www.jesus-story.net/cana_wedding.htm and http://claudemariottini.com/2013/11/15/miriam-the-prophetess-2/
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