Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York is scheduled to read a passage from Scripture at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony for the U.S. presidency on January 20th. The passage he chose? Wisdom chapter 9.
The choice is noteworthy because the Old Testament book of Wisdom is accepted by the Catholic Church as canonical but is rejected by Protestants. Trump himself identifies as Presbyterian (a Protestant denomination).
Wisdom chapter 9 is a prayer of King Solomon praising God and asking Him for wisdom to rule Israel.
Cardinal Dolan has been clear that his participation is not meant to be taken as a partisan endorsement of Donald Trump for president over Hillary Clinton or any other candidate. “Had Mrs. Clinton won and invited me, I would have been just as honored,” he told Catholic News Service.
It’s not clear if Cardinal Dolan will read the whole chapter or just part of it.
Here’s a snippet from the chapter that seems likely to be included:
“With you [God] is wisdom, she who knows your works
and was present when you made the world;
she understands what is pleasing in your sight
and what is right according to your commandments.
“Send her forth from the holy heavens,
and from the throne of your glory send her,
that she may labor at my side,
and that I may learn what is pleasing to you.
“For she knows and understands all things,
and she will guide me wisely in my actions
and guard me with her glory.
“Then my works will be acceptable,
and I shall judge your people justly,
and shall be worthy of the throne of my father.” (Wisdom 9.9-12)
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