Scripture Reading: Book of Proverbs 8, 1-4; 9, 1-5

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:
“To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. …”

 

Reflection

Montfort’s experience in Dinan: It is winter. One night Montfort sees a homeless person chilled to the bone, and covered with sores, too weak to call for help. He places him on his shoulders and carries him to the house of the missionaries. It is late at night and the door is closed.

 

He calls out several times «OPEN TO JESUS CHRIST!» The doorman finally opens, but has difficulty recognizing Jesus in this ragged person. Montfort enters carrying his precious burden, puts him in his bed, warms him as well as he can, then spends the rest of the night kneeling in prayer beside this poor man.

 

Montfort expresses in his Hymn No 149, his love for God in the poor:

“Dearest Child of God, in your life it is your aim

To assist the poor, the outcasts, the despairing, and the lame.

All those by the world rejected on your love have greater claim.”