Memorial of Saint Leo the Great
If you’re like me, then you are in somewhat of a hurry and are reading this reflection without having read the readings beforehand. It’s a temptation, I know; I’ve done it myself. But today, I really want to encourage you to take the time to especially read the first reading, which is from the book of Wisdom (7: 22b-8: 1). Read it slowly and more than once. Maybe even try reading it aloud.
It is a beautiful, poetic writing about the nature of Wisdom (usually identified as the Spirit of God) that provides insight into what might be called the feminine dimensions of God. Here is just a taste of it: “For she is an aura (also translated as breath) of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty...For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars.”
The unknown author of this Old Testament book wrote 21 characteristics of Wisdom in today’s reading. The number twenty-one symbolizes absolute perfection, which is fitting for the Wisdom of God. Some of the beautiful language used was borrowed from Greek philosophers who were writing about worldly wisdom. The author was showing that Divine Wisdom possesses these attributes as opposed to the worldly soul.
In this time of year when the days grow shorter and we see less of the sun, how fitting it is to meditate on the brilliance of Wisdom who takes precedence compared to light, for “night supplants (light), but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.”
Aren’t we, too, called to reflect God’s radiant light? “For she is the refulgence (also translated as reflection) of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness.” I am reminded of the liturgical song by Bernadette Farrell called God Beyond All Names. She writes so beautifully, “God beyond all names, you have made us in your image, we are like you, we reflect you, we are woman, we are man.” How am I reflecting God’s image?
In the gospel reading today (Luke 17: 20-25), Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question as to when the kingdom of God would come. His reply is, “the kingdom of God is among you.” The emphasis is shifted away from an imminent time that could be pinpointed and observed, to something that is already present in Jesus’ preaching and healing ministry.
And now, we, as Jesus’ disciples who have received the Holy Spirit, the Wisdom of God, are also called to work to bring about the kingdom of God in our midst today in. Let us call upon Wisdom to guide us and help us reflect the image of God’s goodness to the world, to bring her light to the darkness.
Eileen Miller