In this fifth class on Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, we look to the third book of Solomon - Song of Songs. This book is a series of hymns commemorating the love of a king and his bride, the days before, during, and after the wedding. From ancient times, this book is recognized as a mystical expression of the love of Christ and his Church.
Handout below.
Inspired by the Gospel this Sunday, we preach on fraternal correction and also other forms of charitable correction (especially parents to children, or superiors to subjects).
Before being able to offer proper fraternal correction, one must first receive correction well and in the spirit of humility. We then discuss St Thomas Aquinas' treatment of fraternal correction as part of the virtue of charity.
Listen online [here]!
In this session, we look to the second book of Solomon - Ecclesiastes. Qoheleth, the Preacher, tells us of the vanity of all earthly things. It is King Solomon, perhaps after a conversion late in life.
Last week, Simon was named Peter, the Rock upon which Christ will build his Church. This week, Peter is caller Satan, for he continued to think as Simon, as men do rather than as God does.
Inspired by Archbishop Fulton Sheen, we reflect upon how the Church is both Simon and Peter, both human and divine. The human element in the Church can be painful, but the gates of hell will never prevail against her.
We discuss also the pain and confusion caused in our own city by the recent closure of two Catholic schools, emphasizing that the faithful have the right to ask questions of Diocesan leadership - but also emphasizing that it is gravely sinful to attack the Bishop and his staff or to presume to assign motives or nefarious behind the scenes plans to the Bishop.
Listen online [here]!
We look to the first book ascribed to Solomon and officially recognized as "a book of Wisdom" - that is, Proverbs, the first of the five books traditionally seen by the Church part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.
Handout posted below.