53. What women are blessed but those of whom
it is said “that many hear the word of God and bring forth
fruit”? S. Luke xi. 28. And
again: “Whosoever doeth the word of God is My father and
sister and mother.” S. Matt. xii. 50. And who are
those blessed servants, who stand before Him, but Paul, who said:
“Even to this day I stand witnessing both to great and
small;” Acts xxvi. 22. or Simeon, who
was waiting in the temple to see the consolation of Israel? S. Luke ii. 25. How could he have asked to be let
depart, except that in standing before the Lord he had not the power of
departing, but only according to the will of God? Solomon is put
before us simply for the sake of example, of whom it was eagerly
expected that his wisdom should be heard.