This week, our first readings come from the book of Wisdom. This book is included in the canon of Scripture for the Catholic and Orthodox churches, but it is not included in the Bible by Protestant Christian denominations. Scripture scholars believe that this book was originally written in Greek, but that its style is modeled after Hebrew verse. In today’s reading, the author reminds the rulers of nations that they hold their governing office from God's authority in whose name they are called to govern. He asserts that God will punish those who abuse their elected office and act unjustly and unlawfully, whereas those rulers who govern mercifully and justly will be rewarded. Our rulers and leaders are called to follow the values of faith and their well-formed consciences when making decisions and leading their people in justice and integrity.
One of the great leaders of the Church during the Middle Ages was Albert the Great. With “great” attached to his name by the Church, we know this has special significance. Not only was he a great thinker and scholar, but he was also the teacher and mentor of St Thomas Aquinas, also one of the greatest theologians and philosophers in Church history. Albert, a German Dominican priest from the 13th century and a Doctor of the Church, not only wrote works in theology, but also in mathematics, politics, economics, logic, geography, and many of the scientific disciplines. On writing about the Eucharist, Albert has this to say: “God could not have commanded anything more beneficial, for this Sacrament is the fruit of the tree of life. Anyone who receives this Sacrament with the devotion of sincere faith will never taste death. It is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and blessed is he who holds it fast. The man who feeds on me shall live on account of me.” We unite our prayers with the prayers of St Albert the Great.
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