A Note From Father Eickhoff

August 18, 2024

Wisdom is the subject of today’s First Reading from the Book of Proverbs. In the Holy Scriptures, Wisdom is not some abstract force; rather Wisdom is personified as a woman who eagerly seeks out individuals to come to her and gain understanding and honor from her. Some modern scholars observe a connection between today’s First Reading (Proverbs 9:3-6) and a later passage from the same biblical book (Proverbs 31). This later passage is likely familiar to many of you who have been to the funerals of women as it speaks of the great virtues of a woman of faith and the blessings she brings to her husband.  These scholars observe that a man who seeks out a woman for his wife who excels in virtuous living will become blessed; so too an individual who seeks out Wisdom will be blessed in all that he or she does.

There is another way of looking upon this scripture passage as well. One that was favored in the early centuries of the Church. That is to look upon the house that Wisdom sets up as Christ’s Holy Church. It is within the Church that men and women gain understanding and knowledge of God and of how people should live and treat one another. It is within the Church that men and women are strengthened by the sacraments to carry out in practice the knowledge that they have gained. And it is within the Church that we are at home both now and forever. Furthermore, this home is open to everyone who seeks her out. There are no minimal requirements to enter or some level of prior expertise necessary to gain entry. Rather, anyone who desires to learn – especially those persons who know they need to learn – are welcomed. In this understanding the Church is not some abstract legal organization; but is a living entity created by God and led by Jesus Christ. A person in other words who we can rightly refer to as “she” or “Mother Church.”

As to which of these two understandings is correct there is no need pick just one. Both options are perfectly correct. Both options give us insight as to how we should live our lives daily. And both options remind us that we should give thanks to God for having given to us the help that we need to live our lives to the full. A life not mired in ignorance and misunderstanding, but rather filled with knowledge of God and understanding of how we should act toward God and other people.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Stephen Eickhoff
Pastor