THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
(March 20)
“…Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you…” (Prov 2: 3-11)
This passage from Proverbs is read at Vespers of the first Wednesday of Lent, celebrated together with the first (of the Lenten season) Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. The Proverbs-reading is preceded by 1. a reading from Genesis, and 2. a beautiful moment of this Liturgy, when the priest comes out of the altar with a lit candle and proclaims, “The light of Christ illumines all!”
The priest’s proclamation, wedged in between two Scripture-readings, reminds me that Christ, the Wisdom of God (1 Cor 1: 24), brings light and lightness into my life, through His word.
Let me be immersed, this Lent, in the Word and Wisdom of God, opening my heart and my life to Him. “For the Lord gives wisdom,” the passage from Proverbs promises me today, “from his mouth come knowledge and understanding,” also for my everyday, practical matters. Come, Lord, and watch over me and guard me in Your wisdom, this Lent. Amen!
