First Reading Commentary
It is Wisdom that proclaims this Reading to
us. God used Wisdom as the
Master-builder in the creation of the universe.
Wisdom is also the infallible Source for the order which rules and governs
the universe. In this Reading, Wisdom
presents itself as a Creature working alongside of God. Actually, it is better to say that Wisdom is
a Divine Being that existed before anything or anyone was ever created.
There’s two ways to look at this. First, Wisdom would seem to be intrinsic to
God. Secondly, however, Wisdom is also
represented as something distinct from God and coming from Him. Although this Reading doesn’t absolutely
define Wisdom as a separate personality, it may be hinting at the truths that
are to be revealed later: namely that God is more than one Divine Person. This truth was revealed to us when Wisdom was
made Incarnate in the Person of Jesus Christ.
This Reading closes with the words: “I
found delight in the human race.” When
God created the universe He saw that everything was very good (cf. Genesis 1:31), but He delighted
most in His own Image. The human person
alone is created in His Image. We alone
have understanding and a soul capable of virtue.
The Catechism of the
Catholic Church sums up this Reading with these words: “The revelation of
creation is inseparable from the revelation and forging of the covenant of the
One God with His people. Creation is
revealed as the first step towards this covenant, the first and universal
witness to God’s all-powerful love” (CCC 288)
Second Reading Commentary
Saint Paul quickly reminds us that we have peace with God; but this was not achieved by anything of our own doing. This was made possible by the saving works of Christ. To boast in the hope of the glory of God is to look forward to the glory that is to come: eternal life, everlasting happiness and the beatific vision. Paul does warn us, however, that our hope will be tested in this life by afflictions; but as long as we cling to that hope, Saint Paul assures us that hope does not disappoint. For this reason Paul exhorts us to rejoice not only in the hope of future glory but also during these times of tribulation because trials strengthen hope.
Saint James teaches us: “Consider yourselves happy indeed, my brethren, when you encounter trials of every sort knowing well enough that the testing of faith breeds endurance” (James 1:3). Hope is the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul that enters where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf. Hope is also a weapon that protects us in the struggle of salvation. It affords us joy even under trial (cf.CCC 1820).
Saint Paul quickly reminds us that we have peace with God; but this was not achieved by anything of our own doing. This was made possible by the saving works of Christ. To boast in the hope of the glory of God is to look forward to the glory that is to come: eternal life, everlasting happiness and the beatific vision. Paul does warn us, however, that our hope will be tested in this life by afflictions; but as long as we cling to that hope, Saint Paul assures us that hope does not disappoint. For this reason Paul exhorts us to rejoice not only in the hope of future glory but also during these times of tribulation because trials strengthen hope.
Saint James teaches us: “Consider yourselves happy indeed, my brethren, when you encounter trials of every sort knowing well enough that the testing of faith breeds endurance” (James 1:3). Hope is the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul that enters where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf. Hope is also a weapon that protects us in the struggle of salvation. It affords us joy even under trial (cf.
Finally, Dom Augustin Calmet encourages us with these words: “God, having showered upon us the blessings of faith, charity, patience and fidelity, we cannot but have the greatest confidence that after this pledge and assurance of His good will towards us, He will finish the work He has begun, and bring us to His heavenly Kingdom.”
Gospel Commentary
Jesus still has many things to teach His Church; more than could possibly be taught in the little time He had left with His apostles. For this reason, Jesus promises the Spirit of Truth Who continues to this very day to guide the Church to all truth. With all the worries and concerns we have in this life, determining whether or not the Church teaches the Truth should never be one of those concerns. It must be so because Christ declares it; and if it weren’t so, the great Paraclete would have to relinquish His title as “the Spirit of Truth”.
Jesus still has many things to teach His Church; more than could possibly be taught in the little time He had left with His apostles. For this reason, Jesus promises the Spirit of Truth Who continues to this very day to guide the Church to all truth. With all the worries and concerns we have in this life, determining whether or not the Church teaches the Truth should never be one of those concerns. It must be so because Christ declares it; and if it weren’t so, the great Paraclete would have to relinquish His title as “the Spirit of Truth”.
During his interrogation of Jesus, Pontius Pilate asked our Lord: “What is truth?” Truth not only comes from our Lord but Truth is our Lord. Today’s highly secularized culture would have us believe otherwise. We can hold fast to the Truth through frequent meditation on Scripture, especially the Gospels, regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and listening to the truth as the Holy Spirit reveals it to the Church, mainly through the reading of papal encyclicals and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
As the Son glorifies the Father, so the
Holy Spirit glorifies the Son by revealing and teaching the commonality of the
Father and the Son. Jesus also reveals
to us in this Gospel that the Son has the identical Nature of the Father and
they are both One and the same God. And
by saying the words: “I told you that He will take from what is Mine and
declare it to you” teaches us also that the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity
proceeds from both the Father and the Son and that the Holy Spirit likewise
possesses all of God’s perfections because He is equally along with the Father
and the Son, One and the same God.
