Proverbs 21:1-6. 10-13 / Luke 8:19-21
The Old
Testament is divided into a few sections. There is the Pentateuch or the
Torah which is the first five books of the Bible.
Then there are the historical books, the prophetic writings and the wisdom books or wisdom literature.
The wisdom
books consists of the Book of Wisdom, Job, Psalms, Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (Song of Songs), and Sirach.
The 1st
reading is taken from the book of Proverbs and we may consider it rather
easy reading because of its practicality and easy comprehension.
As we can
see from the 1st reading, the truths of life are clearly and simply
spelt out - act virtuously and with justice, be hardworking, be
compassionate and charitable.
Yet, what
is clear and simple may not necessarily be easy to carry out, as we are
often fooled into thinking that what is simple is easy.
In the gospel, Jesus said that those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice are the ones who are closest to Him.
Yes, reading and hearing about the wisdom of life is one thing. Putting it into practice is another thing.
Certainly we want to live a meaningful and a God-centered life with the wisdom that is already found in the Bible.
May we become what we read, and in doing so may we become more and more Christ-like to others.