FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD…

Wisdom of Solomon 7:7-14 
7 Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.8 I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.
9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her.10 I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.
11 All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.12 I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them; but I did not know that she was their mother.
13 I learned without guile and I impart without grudging; I do not hide her wealth,14 for it is an unfailing treasure for men; those who get it obtain friendship with God, commended for the gifts that come from instruction.

Mark 16:15-20 
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.20 And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

MEDITATION

THE SONG OF SOLOMON can be said to be a prophetic message in an alegorical form, describing the intimate relationship that the ‘bride’ meaning the ‘Qahal’ also refered to as the Ecclesia or the new covenant Church, shall have with the Son of God! 

This his radiant ‘bride’ is described to be priceless such that her light shall never fade or be extinguished. Anyone who embrace a friendship with God shall benefit from the Church’s wisdom and understanding which is more prescious that gold or silver! 

St MARK THE APOSTLE record our Lords final instructions to the twelve before He was taken up to heaven. The apostles are ordered to preach the gospel to the whole creation. Minors and those who are cognitively impaired should have adult sponsors who shall swear an oath on their behalf, so they be saved by means of the Sacrament of baptism, whereas adult neophytes must take responsibility for their personal salvation. 

St Mark also ennumerate the sign of the gift of tongues that the Holy Spirit shall dispense to enable the Apostles to spread the gospel arround the world, to people with foreign languages. Where the gift of tongues is absent, a language translator was needed to convey the message to foreigners.1Cor 12:10 Verse 18 refers to the gift of discernment when dealing with the sick or those who are possesed. In such instances it is nessesary to wisely judge whether the causation of certain behavior manifestations are the work of a good or evil spirit! Moreso, our friendship with God nessesitate our need to pray for the gift of wisdom, which is the antithesis of faithlessness, or folly! 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 40:3-4,10-12,17
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods!
10 I have not hid thy saving help within my heart, I have spoken of thy faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not concealed thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness from the great congregation.
11 Do not thou, O LORD, withhold thy mercy from me, let thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness ever preserve me!
17 As for me, I am poor and needy; but the Lord takes thought for me.Thou art my help and my deliverer; do not tarry, O my God!

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days