2d
Wisdom is a gift from God perhaps it is the Holy Spirit. It leads us down the correct path and guides our steps if we would listen to wisdom and prudence. Reflection of this passage to me parallels somewhat, in the Catholic Tradition, Mary's prayer and life.
"Reflecting on these things and considering them in my heart" (v. 17) At the birth of Jesus in Luke 2: 19-20 "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart".
"Now, I was a well-favored child, and I came by a noble nature; or rather, being noble, I attained an unblemished body". (v. 19-20) By grace and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived and Mary, herself, was immaculate (free from sin). When the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear a son, and she is troubled, he says "do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1: 30-31) it is the gift of God the Holy Spirit without which this would have been impossible.
Mary "sought the Lord and prayed with all her heart" (v. 21) what we know to be the Magnificat in the Catholic Tradition. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name..." (Luke 1: 46-49)
Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your wisdom, prudence, and your love. We give you thanks and praise, for you have blessed us and we are "Highly Favored". Help us to be truly wise and may we always be mindful and appreciative of the gift that you have given each of us. You were and you are the spotless lamb, the unblemished sacrifice to atone for our sins and unite us to yourself once more. By your grace, Oh Lord, help us to grow in holiness that we would be ever more in communion with you and with each other. Amen.
"Reflecting on these things and considering them in my heart" (v. 17) At the birth of Jesus in Luke 2: 19-20 "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart".
"Now, I was a well-favored child, and I came by a noble nature; or rather, being noble, I attained an unblemished body". (v. 19-20) By grace and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived and Mary, herself, was immaculate (free from sin). When the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear a son, and she is troubled, he says "do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1: 30-31) it is the gift of God the Holy Spirit without which this would have been impossible.
Mary "sought the Lord and prayed with all her heart" (v. 21) what we know to be the Magnificat in the Catholic Tradition. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name..." (Luke 1: 46-49)
Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your wisdom, prudence, and your love. We give you thanks and praise, for you have blessed us and we are "Highly Favored". Help us to be truly wise and may we always be mindful and appreciative of the gift that you have given each of us. You were and you are the spotless lamb, the unblemished sacrifice to atone for our sins and unite us to yourself once more. By your grace, Oh Lord, help us to grow in holiness that we would be ever more in communion with you and with each other. Amen.
