1st Reading – Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her house,
she has set up her seven columns;
she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine,
yes, she has spread her table.
She has sent out her maidens; she calls
from the heights out over the city:
“Let whoever is simple turn in here;
To the one who lacks understanding, she says,
Come, eat of my food,
and drink of the wine I have mixed!
Forsake foolishness that you may live;
advance in the way of understanding.”

The Book of Proverbs is the earliest of the Wisdom literature in the Old Testament. While traditionally attributed in its entirety to Solomon (Proverbs 1:1), it is actually a compilation that probably developed over a long period, spanning from the era of Solomon to the time of Alexander the Great.

Today’s reading is the account of Woman Wisdom preparing a banquet for those who would attend. It is an invitation to embrace wisdom and the life-transforming benefits it offers.

The nourishment from this banquet prefigures the true Bread of Life, which we will hear in today’s gospel reading. Continue reading “Aug 18, 2024: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)” →