Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Sirach 2:1-11; Mark 9:30-37)
The Book of Sirach is named after its Jewish writer who
lived in the second century before Christ.
It is also called the “Book of Ecclesiasticus,” which means the Church’s
book, because it has been regularly used for moral instruction. Today’s reading shows how well the book
fulfills this purpose.
As Jesus indicates in the gospel, to follow him entails
serving everyone especially the most vulnerable of people. Those who give of themselves to this end should
take to heart what Sirach recommends about listening to the word of God for
support. What is more, they can expect to
receive God’s mercy when they call upon Him, again as Sirach testifies.
Often following Christ is a joy. We may find ourselves among the best of
people and experience the treasure of the Holy Spirit. But why kid ourselves? At times following Jesus means sacrifice not
just of pleasure but of stability. When
this happens, we are wise to take Sirach’s advice. We need to maintain hope that God will sustain
us in trial.
