Reading of the Word of God

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

The Spirit of the Lord is upon you.
The child you shall bear will be holy.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Proverbs 21,1-6.10-13

Like flowing water is a king's heart in Yahweh's hand; he directs it wherever he pleases. All actions are straight in the doer's own eyes, but it is Yahweh who weighs hearts. To do what is upright and just is more pleasing to Yahweh than sacrifice. Haughty eye, proud heart, lamp of the wicked, nothing but sin. The hardworking is thoughtful, and all is gain; too much haste, and all that comes of it is want. To make a fortune with the help of a lying tongue: such is the idle fantasy of those who look for death. The soul of the wicked is intent on evil, to such a person no neighbour can ever do right. When a cynic is punished, simpletons grow wiser, but someone of understanding acquires knowledge by instruction. The Upright One watches the house of the wicked; he hurls the wicked to destruction. Whoever refuses to listen to the cry of the weak, will in turn plead and not be heard.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Look down, O Lord, on your servants.
Be it unto us according to your word.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

If believers want wisdom of the heart, they must humbly learn to discern each day what is right before the eyes of God-and practice it. This is the meaning of the collection of proverbs which the liturgy brings to our attention. The sacred author warns: "All deeds are right in the sight of the doer." In reality, this is not so, because it is the Lord who establishes whether these paths lead to life or death: "But the Lord weighs the heart." A wise man or woman is the one who seeks the signs of this world with God's very eyes, allowing themselves to be illuminated by the Word of God on which they should nourish themselves every day. Not only is it impossible to divide sacrifice from action for justice and righteousness, but the author says that such actions are even superior to sacrifice. Wisdom-which flows directly from God-requires pity mercy: "The souls of the wicked desire evil their neighbours find no mercy in their eyes." What is clear is the condemnation of a proud and hard heart which is not moved by those in need. The conclusion is even stronger and it highlights what was said before. The sacred author reminds us of the importance of attention for the poorest. The cry of the poor never leaves God indifferent. The believer must learn well the importance of God's preference for the poor: the very relationship with God depends on it. In fact: "If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard."