Great Lent is about Wisdom

Today’s Reading from Proverbs 8.32-9.11 - And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD; but he who misses me injures himself; all who hate me love death." Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her maids to call from the highest places in the town, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who is without sense she says, "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave simpleness, and live, and walk in the way of insight." He who corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

When we hear the teachings of God we might be taken by the boldness of His words. We are happy only when we keep His ways and listen to Him. When we watch for Him we find life. As we approach the half-way point of Great Lent, it is good to be reminded that there are two ways of life, one of God and the other of death. Christ said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.” (Mark 8.35)

This coming Sunday we will celebrate the Veneration of the Holy Cross, a symbol of death that represents life. Great Lent is about dying to the world so we can life in Christ. It is about increasing in the wisdom of God. But don’t give up now; you’re almost halfway through the fast. This is week three of our annual growth in the wisdom of God.