(Sirach 24:1-23, 51:13-29, 5:1-2; Psalm 18 (LXX)/19 (MT): 8-10; Ezekiel 3:3; Mat 11:19b, 28-29; John 4:14, 6:35, 6:51-57; 1 Cor 1:30; Rev 22:17; Isaiah 55:1) Sirach, along with the book of Proverbs, Wisdom of Solomon, and other Jewish books, says a good deal about “Wisdom,” often picturing her as an honored Lady who is to beContinue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 16: Sirach and Lady Wisdom”
Category Archives: A Lamp for Today
Light from the Readable Books 15: The Wisdom of Sirach and the Fear of the Lord
Sirach Prologue, 1-2; Job 38-40; Proverbs 9; James 1-3; Ephesians 1-4 Our Scriptures are full of different genres, that is, different kinds of literature—poetry, visions, parables, narratives of various sorts, sermons. The book of Sirach, or in its full title, The Wisdom of Jesus ben Sirach (Jesus the son of Sirach) is a series ofContinue reading “Light from the Readable Books 15: The Wisdom of Sirach and the Fear of the Lord”
Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 14: Wisdom, Word, and Spirit of God
Wisdom of Solomon 10-19; Luke 9; Romans 1; 1 Corinthians 15 As we have worked our way through the Wisdom of Solomon, we have meditated upon the close connection of righteousness and wisdom (chapters 1 through 5), and have been charmed in chapters 6 through 9 by a vibrant picture of Wisdom as a spouseContinue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 14: Wisdom, Word, and Spirit of God”
Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 13: Wisdom Found by those who Seek
Wisdom of Solomon 6-9, Proverbs 8, Romans 1 & 10-11, John 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1 In the first episode on the Wisdom of Solomon, we saw that the author is appealing specifically to rulers, warning them of the Fall of humanity, and commending to them the righteousness and wisdom of God, as they fulfillContinue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 13: Wisdom Found by those who Seek”
Light From and Upon the Readable Books 12: Solomon, Righteousness, and Wisdom
Wisdom of Solomon; Proverbs 8:8-18; 1 Cor 1:30-31 We move from the lighter and more entertaining Readable Books of Tobit, Judith, and extended Esther to a weighty work that was considered by several fathers to be part of the innermost canon, rather than in the outer core of the Readable Books. This book, though likelyContinue reading “Light From and Upon the Readable Books 12: Solomon, Righteousness, and Wisdom”
Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 11: Judith the Wise
Judith; 1 Cor 2:10-11; Gen 27; Gen 28; Ruth; Judges 4. The book of Judith has always been included in the extended collection of the Orthodox church, though some notable Church fathers questioned its inspiration. In comparison to the other Readable books, it was not studied extensively by Church fathers in terms of commentary andContinue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 11: Judith the Wise”
Light from the Readable Books 10: Prophecy and Prayer in Tobit
Tobit, Amos 8:10, Daniel 3:51-90, Revelation 21:18-21 The book of Tobit, with all its action and suspense, is studded with poignant prophecies and prayers. Its first section includes a pessimistic prophecy of Amos, and the book concludes with the hopeful prophecy of Tobit as his last will and testament. Throughout the narrative, key figures likeContinue reading “Light from the Readable Books 10: Prophecy and Prayer in Tobit”
Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 9; Tobit: The Angel, the Dog, and the Humans
The book of Tobit, among the Old Testament Readables, instructs us even by means of its title, which is taken from the name of the father in the story. Tobit means “my good,” and his name is expanded in the name of Tobias, his son, which means “God is my good.” Throughout this engaging story,Continue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 9; Tobit: The Angel, the Dog, and the Humans”
Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 8: Misinformation, Decrees, and the Life of Leaders
Esther 3:13a-g, 5:1-13 LXX, 8:12a-i; Psalm 85/6; Phil 2:-11; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 We have seen already how the LXX version of Esther makes God the main character, with Mordecai’s initial vision and closing interpretation, and with the poignant prayers of both Mordecai and Esther as the action heats up. Our final episode on Esther continuesContinue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 8: Misinformation, Decrees, and the Life of Leaders”
Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 7: Esther’s Humility and God’s Rescue
Esther 4:17a-x, Psalm 1, Psalm 150-151, Daniel 3:2-45; 2 Kings/4 Kingdoms 19:14-19, Nehemiah 1:5-11 From the early days of the Church, the righteous Esther has been put forth as an example of both courage and humility. The first century father Clement of Rome, exclaimed: Many women, fortified by the grace of God, have accomplished manyContinue reading “Light From (and Upon) the Readable Books 7: Esther’s Humility and God’s Rescue”
Edith M. Humphrey 