Proverbs 9:1-11 SAAS Third Reading at Great Vespers for the Dormition of the Theotokos 8/15 1 Wisdom built her house, and she supported it with seven pillars 2 She offered her sacrifices; she mixed her wine in a bowl and prepared her table. 3 She sent her servants, inviting people to the bowl with a lofty proclamation, saying, 4 “He who is without discernment, let him turn aside to me;” and to those in need of discernment, she says, 5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I mixed for you; 6 forsake lack of discernment, and you shall live; seek discernment so you may live, and keep straight your understanding with knowledge.” 7 He who chastises evil men shall receive dishonor to himself, and he who reproves the ungodly man shall be blamed himself. 8 Do not reprove evil men, so they may not hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give the opportunity to a wise man, and he will be wiser; instruct a righteous man, and he shall continue to receive it. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is understanding; for to know the law is characteristic of a good mind. 11 For in this manner you will live a long time, and the years of your life shall be increased. September 9, 2013 Third Vesperal Reading for the Nativity of the Theotokos The Perfect Servant: Proverbs 9:1-11, especially vs. 6: “Seek discernment so you may live, and keep straight your understanding with knowledge.” The Church understands that the “Wisdom” in this reading is none other than Christ our King and God; it is His “servants [who are] inviting people . . . with a lofty proclamation” (vs. 3). The pronouns associated with the Hebrew and Greek words for wisdom (hokma, sophia) take the feminine gender – “she,” “her,” “herself” – but the theologians of the Church have never been troubled by this confusing aspect of the ancient biblical languages, for they know Wisdom as the servants of true prayer. The Prophet Solomon, by whose blessing we have received this passage, rightly perceives the true divinity of Wisdom, feminine pronouns aside. Notice that the proclamation of Wisdom’s servants (vss. 4-6) urges all who hear the invitation to leave folly and seek Wisdom that they “may live, and keep straight [their] understanding with knowledge” (vs. 6). Is it not God Himself who gives us life and understanding? That, certainly, is the proclamation of the Church. As we read the passage in this light, we take note of the house that Wisdom builds (vs. 1). The number of its pillars is seven, the divine number. What is this house, if not the Body of Christ, the Wisdom incarnate of the Virgin – and the Wisdom known and available in His Body, the Holy Church (vs. 1)? The sacrifices and wine that Wisdom spreads for the faithful (vs. 2) are the Eucharistic banquet. Wisdom’s servants going forth with His proclamation (vs. 3) are “every righteous spirit made perfect in faith, especially our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary” (prayer of the anaphora). She is indeed a model servant, for she would not touch folly but rather seeks Wisdom in her Son; she reigns forever to intercede for us before His throne (vs. 6). The concluding verses 7-11 are Wisdom’s instructions for inviting all mankind to the feast of the Divine Liturgy. First, Holy Wisdom warns us who would herald this proclamation that dishonor and hatred may be our lot if evil and ungodly men hear this invitation. History attests to this fact! On the other hand, Wisdom’s servants have the joy of seeing others find, grow, and continue to receive the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). How numerous are the faithful who have heard the message of Wisdom’s servants and thereby attained “the fear of the Lord,” embracing with joy “the counsel of saints,” and through struggle have acquired the “good mind” that He gives (Pr 9:10). Our Lady the Holy Theotokos was born to serve Wisdom. Scorn and public contempt would certainly have been her lot, had not God intervened with Joseph the Betrothed “when she was found with child of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:18). Joseph, “being a just man” and imbued with Wisdom, did not want “to make her a public example” (vs. 19). Hence when he was “aroused from sleep, [he] did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son” (vss. 24-25). Through her inexplicable birthgiving the Theotokos reveals herself as the perfect servant of God. From the time of the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement she remains the unblemished handmaid of the Lord, accepting the prospect of the Holy Spirit overshadowing her so that the “Holy One” might be born of her, the very “Son of God” (Lk 1:35). After Christ’s Ascension “the years of [her] life [were] increased” (Pr 9:11), and she continues to offer eternal service to Him as our loving intercessor. In thy womb, O virgin Mother, thou didst hold the Holy Wisdom whom all creation doth praise and before whom the celestials tremble. Wherefore, beseech Him to save our souls. – Canon of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 01:44:07 +0000