Divine Wisdom. That sounds lofty. And it is, really. How can I ever attain that?

Mary was created perfectly and preserved from the stains of original sin. It stands to reason, then, that she would be filled with virtues that the rest of us might have some trouble attaining!

Wisdom is a virtue we all desire. Divine Wisdom teaches us to seek that which is beyond the here and now. It is the desire to seek the divine. Mary’s life was a constant dialogue with God and so this Divine Wisdom was a strong virtue in her.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

This virtue gave her the strength and the faith to accept the will of God. As James says, her Divine Wisdom gave her the ability to submit to God’s will. When the angel appeared to her, she was fearful. But her virtue, her Divine Wisdom, her deeply cultivated desire for all that is beyond this world, filled her with the strength to overcome this fear.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom

Our Blessed Mother has many, many titles. These titles are a wonderful gift from the Church, because through them, she becomes relatable to each and every one of us. Surely with in the long list, you’ll find one that strikes you. One such title is Mary, Seat of Wisdom.

There can be so many interpretations and nuances in this title. We know she was filled with the virtue of Divine Wisdom from the beginning. Being spared the residual effects of original sin, she had a special, uninhibited relationship with God. Her constant prayer filled her with virtue.

And then, her womb was filled with the Holy Spirit and she carried within her the Son of God. She was truly and tangibly a Seat of Wisdom.

As any mother knows, she is constantly a seat for her child. When was the last time you sat on the couch and didn’t have your lap immediately filled with a small child (or two)? Now imagine having a seat to rest and your lap being filled with the God-Child! Truly, she was a seat for wisdom.

Her life was a constant example of trust in the will of God. Her Divine Wisdom gave her such a great submission to that will that is sometimes hard for us to understand. She exemplified this virtue.

Divine Wisdom is not a virtue preserved only for the Mother of God. It is a gift God has waiting for each of us. Through prayer, study, and simply asking, God freely hands forth each of His virtues to all us. We need only ask.