Many will praise the understanding of the man who devotes himself to the study of the law of the most high. His fame will never be effaced. Pope St. Leo the Great whose feast the Church celebrates today was an eminent pastor and preacher. He defended the unity of the Church, combatted Pelagianism and Manicheanism, and delayed the onslaught of the marauding Huns and Vandals. It was his  Tome that the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) adopted and used to define that Christ is one divine person with two natures: divine and human. Many of his prayers are found in the Roman Missal. 
As one reads through the passage from the Book of Sirach which is the content of the First Reading, one might be forgiven for thinking that the passage was authored with Pope St. Leo the Great in mind. This is because there’s nothing in the passage that is not true of Pope St. Leo. Like many of the great pastors of the Church whose reigns came at the right moment for the Church, St. Leo occupied the seat of St. Peter when the Church needed somebody like him. His accomplishments as a pope must have had their foundation on his love for the word of God. The adoption of his work by the Council of Chalcedon in defining the doctrine of the nature of Christ shows that he put his gifts and talents at the service of the word of God. Despite the challenging administrative duties that the office carried, it appears that Pope St. Leo strived to remain in a prayerful relationship with the Lord. Perhaps this is where he drew the wisdom and strength which he needed to lead the Church of Christ through turbulent times. 
Through the intercession of Pope St. Leo the Great, may we strive to remain in our relationship with the Lord. May we too also learn the art of meditating on the Word of God and therein draw the wisdom needed to guide us as we undertake our earthly journey.