Brother, welcome to Exodus.
We continue our series on Bl. Karl of Austria, "The Emperor of Peace," with a presentation by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, our upcoming spiritual guide for Exodus 90. Tune in to learn more about the last Catholic Emperor and how he serves as a model of holiness for men in the modern world.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God. Seek the eternal wisdom that dwells among God’s people today. Take one minute of silence now, praying for God’s blessing on you, your family, fraternity, and all Exodus Men.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that one receives, it is in self-forgetting that one finds, it is in forgiving that one is forgiven, it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.
Wisdom makes her abode in the communion of saints.
A Reading from the Book of Sirach
Wisdom will praise herself and is honored in God, and will glory in the midst of her people. In the assembly of the Most High she will open her mouth, and in the presence of his host she will glory. In the midst of her people she is exalted; in holy fulness she is admired. In the multitude of the chosen she finds praise, and among the blessed she is blessed, saying: “I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, the first-born before all creatures. I ordained that an unfailing light should arise in the heavens, and I covered the earth like a mist. I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud. Alone I have made the circuit of the vault of heaven and have walked in the depths of the abyss. In the waves of the sea, in the whole earth, and in every people and nation I have gotten a possession. Among all these I sought a resting place; I sought in whose territory I might lodge.
”Then the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and the one who created me assigned a place for my tent. And he said, ‘Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance, and among my chosen put down your roots.’ From eternity, in the beginning, he created me, and for eternity I shall not cease to exist. In the holy tabernacle I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion. In the beloved city likewise he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my dominion. So I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, who is their inheritance, and my abode was in the full assembly of the saints.
Reflection
We hear today that Wisdom will praise herself in the assembly of the Most High. In this, we see again that wisdom is a divine reality, intimately connected with God himself and given to us to share. Before we act or speak, we’re called to listen to this divine Wisdom to attune ourselves to her voice in the depths of our being.
Wisdom comes forth from the mouth of the Most High, echoing the creation narrative of God speaking the world into existence. This connection between Wisdom and creation reminds us that the entire universe is infused with God’s wisdom. And this can help liberate us from a narrow, self-centered perspective and renew the wonder of childhood. We’re invited to see the world through the lens of divine Wisdom, recognizing God’s fingerprints in nature, in human creativity, in our lives, and the unfolding of history.
The image of Wisdom covering the earth like a mist speaks to her all-pervasive nature. Just as mist can fill every crevice and coat every surface, divine Wisdom is available to us in every situation and circumstance of our lives. This spurs us to be ever more attentive, seeking God’s wisdom not just in moments of quiet reflection, but in all of daily life, in our work, our relationships, and especially in our challenges.
Wisdom’s dwelling in the pillar of cloud hearkens back to God’s guidance of the Israelites in the wilderness. Wisdom is not static, but dynamic: watching over, guiding, and protecting us on our journey through life. For Exodus men navigating the complexities of modern life, Wisdom is the pole star showing us the path to our heavenly Father through the way of the Lord.
The description of Wisdom’s journey through creation, seeking a resting place, culminates in her choosing to dwell in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem. This localization of Wisdom’s presence doesn’t limit her but rather emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in our pursuit of wisdom. It challenges us to root ourselves in a community of faith, to engage deeply with our spiritual heritage, and to recognize the value of the shared wisdom of the tradition handed down to us.
The image of Wisdom taking root among God’s people challenges us to consider. How deeply rooted are we in divine Wisdom? Are we like trees planted by streams of water, drawing continual nourishment from God’s presence? Or are we more like tumbleweeds, blown about by every wind of doctrine or cultural trend?
For leaders, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, Sirach’s portrayal of Wisdom offers great guidance. We’re called to lead not trusting in our own powers, perseverance, or wit, but by cooperating with the all-powerful and wise God. True greatness comes not from our own abilities, but from joining ourselves to God’s wisdom and purposes.
Remember, brothers, that the pursuit of Wisdom is not an abstract intellectual exercise, but a lived relationship with the triune God. Allow God’s wisdom to permeate every aspect of your life, shaping your character, guiding your decisions, and transforming your relationships.
Let’s be men who are known for our pursuit of divine Wisdom. With so much superficial opinion and malign influence surrounding us, let our lives stand as testimonies to the enduring power and relevance of God’s wisdom.
Wisdom makes her abode in the communion of saints.
Let us pray.
Eternal Father of Lights, we praise you for the gift of Wisdom, who delights the children of men. You have ordained wisdom as an unfailing light in the heavens, sent to cover the earth like a mist. May we, illuminated by your Holy Spirit, recognize the voice of wisdom, and provide a dwelling place for her in our hearts. Let us be counted among the blessed in whom she finds praise. As we journey through this earthly life, Let wisdom be our constant companion and guide that we may dwell in the full assembly of the saints, and find our portion in you, our eternal inheritance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, your Wisdom and Power made flesh. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
