Capitulum

Sirach 24:9 speaks of Divine Wisdom personified, whom Christian tradition identifies with both Christ (the Logos) and, in accommodated sense, Mary (Seat of Wisdom). The phrase 'Ab initio et ante saecula' (From the beginning and before the ages) indicates eternal predestination - Mary was chosen before creation (Ephesians 1:4). The promise 'non desinam' (I shall not cease) affirms her perpetual intercessory role. At Terce, the hour of the Spirit's descent, this reading recalls that the same Spirit who overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1:35) continues to work through her intercession.