Reflection: O Mary Seat of Wisdom

Mary, Seat of Wisdom (also known as Our Lady of the Chair or the Latin name Sedes Sapientiae), is a very old title for Mary. She is often shown seated on a throne, holding the Christ Child on her lap, and offering Him for adoration. Many early Christians saw Christ as Wisdom incarnate; therefore, by holding Him on her lap, Mary becomes the “seat” of wisdom. The title also refers to the fact that Mary “held” wisdom inside her by carrying Christ in her womb.

Wisdom is a gift from God that helps us understand His plan and purpose for our lives. It is a gift that needs to be cultivated through prayer so that the soil of our hearts can hear God’s voice, as Mary did. Mary’s parents helped her to develop her gift of wisdom so that she was ready to understand God’s plan and purpose for her life when the angel came to announce it. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus, too, “grew in wisdom, age and grace” so that He came to understand what God wanted of Him. Wisdom is our gift.

When you have a difficult decision to make, what do you do? Do you bring it to prayer? 
The Lord hears and answers our prayers. Turn to Mary, Seat of Wisdom. She knows you and you are her child. Ask her for wisdom in the decisions you make. Go to Eucharistic Adoration or visit a chapel or church and sit in the Presence of the Lord. Quiet your mind and heart and be open to hear what the Lord wants to say to you. Speak to Him about your heart's desire and tell Him you are seeking wisdom. Then in the silence of your heart, listen. He will speak to you.

"I thank the Lord and I praise Him; I bless the Name of the Lord. When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth, I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. Since in this way, I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. I became resolutely devoted to her, the good I persistently strove for. My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets. I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness, I attained to her."  Sirach 51:12-20

O Mary, Seat of Wisdom, teach us to turn to Jesus for His wisdom in our lives and pray for us and for all the names we receive through this prayer ministry.