Today we begin our yearly journey into the O Antiphons – ever ancient, ever new. As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of “Laudato si'” this year, and the wonderous gift of the Eucharist in this Year of the Eucharist, our O Antiphons will echo these themes as we meet them each day.
“O Wisdom, O Holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your loving, tender care: come and show your people the way to salvation.”
Laudato si' – Praise be to you ~ O Wisdom!
When speaking of Wisdom today we are not speaking of the wisdom of the ancient sages or counselors known for their wisdom from a professional class of ancient society but rather of something in relationship with our God, who alone is truly wise. A wisdom which is reflected in the highest of all works – creation. A wisdom which is personified, accompanying God in his creation. A wisdom which always remains a personification as it is clearly a distinct created being. We speak today of the Wisdom of God as seen in creation. Wisdom built herself a home, a home which is now our home, the home in which we live.
If we listen to her speaking we will contemplate the beauty of the earth made in a wonderous harmony and happiness – let us be silent and listen to the earth shouting for joy to its God – this is the home Wisdom built – a home where –
Rivers clapped their hands, and mountains shouted with them for joy, and clouds took rides on the winds, where clouds delighted in sending down dew, and the morning stars sang in chorus and all shouted for joy. And we know another secret – Together you even made monsters to play with.
Wisdom rejoiced in the Creator’s work as much as God delighted in Wisdom. This is a perfect relationship. Rejoicing in the work of their hands. Yes, Wisdom was beside God during the creation of each of the elements in her home, assisting “like a master worker”, as someone who is capable of literally knitting together the foundations of the earth. It was she who was God’s chief delight, and with whom God shared God’s joy with the entire creation and delighted in humanity. Yes, Wisdom is present with God before and during the process of creation, as a playful child – they delighted in their work together. But wait…. I hear the footsteps of another Wisdom drawing near to our home…...our earth!
After eons of Wisdom of old playing on the surface of the earth a new and all-embracing Wisdom appears in the midst of our beautifully created world….
STOP LISTEN Do you hear the trembling of joy in all creation?
“O Wisdom, Jesus, O Holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your loving tender care – come and show your people the way to preserving our earth, the way to salvation.”
Yes, Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God came to us in person – not a personification but as a person – one like us!
And where do we find that Wisdom today? Look into the cradle of your outstretched hands – for each day he is placed there to be consumed and becomes one with you. Listen as Wisdom speaks to you: “This is my body” – and Wisdom is one with you forever.
Praise be to you, our Wisdom ~ Jesus! How wonderful is your Wisdom – so far beyond our understanding.