Exalt, my soul, in the Lord

On Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes (8:5---9:10) entitled "The consolation of the wise man". Our treasure, which follows, is from a commentary on Ecclesiastes by Saint Gregory of Agrigento, bishop. Saint Gregory (559–630) was a Sicilian Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Agrigento from 590 until at least 603. Gregory was born near Agrigento on Sicily in 559. At the age of eighteen, he went on a pilgrimage in the Holy Land, traveling via Carthage to Tripoli. He was almost sold into slavery by a ship-owner in Carthage. While in Jerusalem, he was ordained a deacon by Patriarch Makarios II. He returned to Agrigento via Constantinople and Rome. In 590 two factions with their respective candidates for the vacant see of Agrigento traveled to Rome to seek the pope's decision. Pope Gregory bypassed both candidates and consecrated Gregory of Agrigento. He was found hiding in a monastic garden out of reticence for high office when Gregory chose him. Saint Gregory received an education in classics, rhetoric and theology. He is said to have read the Life of Basil of Caesarea many times and the Passion of the Holy Maccabees. At the request of a bishop, he interpreted the writings of Gregory of Nazianzus for a group of deacons. His biographer praises him as a second Chrysostom. By a miracle, he was able to fast constantly. He is also credited with performing healing miracles. Saint Gregory's commentary is considered one of the best on Ecclesiastes from antiquity. The Book of Ecclesiastes comprises an extended reflective essay employing autobiographical narrative, proverbs, parables, and allegories. An almost unrelenting skepticism characterizes the tone or outlook. The issues with which the author deals and the questions he raises are aimed at those who would claim any absolute value in this life, including possessions, fame, success, or pleasure. Wisdom itself is challenged, but folly is condemned.