The gospel passage today is particularly suited for the celebration of the feast of St. Albert the Great. For Albert indeed was a "scribe who been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven and is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." This is an obvious reference to the things of the New Testament as well as the Old Testament; but also, newer understandings and explanations of the old articles and essential elements of the faith!
Albert was born in Lauingen along the Danube about the year 1206. He studied at Padua and Paris, then entered the Order of Preachers: the Dominicans and excelled as a teacher. Ordained bishop of Ratisbon, he strove earnestly to establish peace among peoples and between cities. He wrote brilliantly on many subjects to the advantage of both sacred and secular sciences alike. He had a way of applying one to the other! Albert died at Cologne in 1280.
The first reading today from the Book of Sirach tells of the wonderful works that will accompany one who "fears the Lord," one who accepts the laws and wisdom of God as they are presented to him (rather than being one who "fears nothing" and accepts no laws or wisdom to be a guiding force). Albert the Great was one who never ceased searching for the depths of the statutes of the law of God: and he always had something refreshing, new, insightful, wise and useful to offer any who would listen! And his reward was the joy and gladness of everlasting remembrance!
We honor St. Albert the Great today, and ask his intercession to help us truly "fear the Lord" and "seek his statutes" so that we too may live in everlasting peace, joy and remembrance!
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