Today I think the “conjunction” of our readings this Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time is worth considering—as sometimes it is not just the content of a reading we need to think about—but how the order of the readings itself can lead to a conclusion and understanding.
The Old Testament First Reading is from the Book of Proverbs (one of the Wisdom Books). It is a lovely image of Wisdom as a woman inviting us to her table; calling us to eat her food, forsaking foolishness, advancing in understanding. Foolishness is death; understanding is life. We respond to this call with the Psalm Refrain: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” It is wise to follow the ways of wisdom, and to eat the bread of life.
The New Testament Reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians gives advice to us in how to live wisely. He says: “Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise…do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.” Again: wisdom for our spiritual lives. He continues on saying that we should speak in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts. (As a musician, I just love this advice from St. Paul!)
In the Gospel of St. John Jesus continues his “Bread of Life Discourse” speaking of the living bread from heaven; eternal life linked to eating His flesh that is for the life of the world.
So…in putting together all of the readings: Wisdom tells us to sit at her table—be wise! We must taste the goodness of the Lord. Do not live foolishly; but be filled with the Spirit and keep (sung) scripture on your lips—and most importantly: eat the Bread of Life, for in your wise choice of doing so, you will attain eternal life.
As I studied the Scripture for this week end, it was the juxtaposition of the readings that jumped out at me this time; but I know that the next time I study these readings, in the richness of the Word, another ‘morsel’ of wisdom will speak to me. This is real “food for thought” for us all. We are fed and filled by Word and Eucharist—this is true wisdom! “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
As always: keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
The Old Testament First Reading is from the Book of Proverbs (one of the Wisdom Books). It is a lovely image of Wisdom as a woman inviting us to her table; calling us to eat her food, forsaking foolishness, advancing in understanding. Foolishness is death; understanding is life. We respond to this call with the Psalm Refrain: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” It is wise to follow the ways of wisdom, and to eat the bread of life.
The New Testament Reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians gives advice to us in how to live wisely. He says: “Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise…do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.” Again: wisdom for our spiritual lives. He continues on saying that we should speak in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts. (As a musician, I just love this advice from St. Paul!)
In the Gospel of St. John Jesus continues his “Bread of Life Discourse” speaking of the living bread from heaven; eternal life linked to eating His flesh that is for the life of the world.
So…in putting together all of the readings: Wisdom tells us to sit at her table—be wise! We must taste the goodness of the Lord. Do not live foolishly; but be filled with the Spirit and keep (sung) scripture on your lips—and most importantly: eat the Bread of Life, for in your wise choice of doing so, you will attain eternal life.
As I studied the Scripture for this week end, it was the juxtaposition of the readings that jumped out at me this time; but I know that the next time I study these readings, in the richness of the Word, another ‘morsel’ of wisdom will speak to me. This is real “food for thought” for us all. We are fed and filled by Word and Eucharist—this is true wisdom! “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
As always: keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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