Since school is right around the corner, I thought we could do a bit of literature review. Anyone remember what the term personification means? Merriam-Webster says that personification means “attribution of personal qualities, especially representation of a thing or abstraction as a person or by the human form.” Because the Bible is both the Word of God and a piece of literature, it is no wonder we see personification being used from time to time. This Sunday is one of those times!
The first reading personifies “Wisdom” as a person, a female in fact. She is described as building her “house” and fixing a delicious meal of “meat” and “wine.” She invites all those in the “city” to her home for dinner. What is the author trying to tell us about Wisdom through this personification? Wisdom is welcoming. It is not an attribute that is only for a certain group of people, an elite, highly educated group. Wisdom is available to all – the invitation is there, but we have to respond. Wisdom would cause us to have an ordered life – a clean home, or for you teens out there perhaps, a clean bedroom!
The second reading picks right up on the theme of Wisdom. St Paul exhorts, “Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.” So wisdom is connected not only to the practical things mentioned in the first reading, but also the spiritual component of understanding or discerning God’s will. A wise person takes his or her time in making decisions. He has gratitude to God’s presence in each moment. She makes time to pray. He affirms the dignity of all persons. Take a moment today to pray for the gift of wisdom! The invitation is there from the Lord, we just need to respond with willing and open hearts.
