Word on fire is brought to you by Catholic cemeteries, serving the Chicago area since 1837.

This is Cardinal Francis George, and I invite you to join me for the next few minutes

to reflect with Father Robert Barron on the Word of God, which is the Word on fire.

Father Barron will challenge us to open our hearts to the Word on fire, which is God's

Word of Love for each of us.

If our hearts are open, the Lord can change and transform us, so that we might speak with

Lord Love about the One who is Love.

The Archdiocese of Chicago through the generosity of Sacred Heart Parish in Winetka now presents

the Word on fire.

Peace be with you.

Friends, our first reading for this week is taken from the Book of Wisdom.

A text we don't often hear about in the lecture.

It was written toward the end of the Old Testament period, while Israel was very much under

the influence of Greek philosophy.

Syrac and the Book of Proverbs also come from this period.

These are texts of a more meditative nature, their full of pithy statements and moral recommendations.

And it shouldn't surprise us too much that the Book of Wisdom is especially concerned

with the inculcation of that great virtue.

Our reading commences with the narrator of the book, Speaking.

Listen to what he says, I prayed and prudence was given me.

I pleaded and the Spirit of Wisdom came to me.

Now, can I suggest you this is a very helpful spiritual exercise.

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