The unfathomable gifts of God

On Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes (6:12---7:28) entitled "Be not overwise". Our treasure, which follows, is from an instruction by Saint Columban, abbot. Saint Columban was an Irish missionary notable for founding several monasteries after 590 in the Frankish and Lombard kingdoms, most notably Luxeuil Abbey in present-day France and Bobbio Abbey in present-day Italy. Saint Columban was born in the Kingdom of Leinster, on the southeast coast of Ireland, a century after Saint Patrick brought the Catholic faith to the island. Writing shortly after Columban's death, his first biographer and fellow monk, Jonas, states that when Columban's mother was pregnant with him, she had a dream of the sun rising from her womb. She later interpreted her dream to mean that her child would be a man of incredible genius, shining the light of faith upon the people of God whom he would serve. Because of this dream, Columban's mother took great care of raising her son, protecting him from every evil influence. 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.