Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
(Sirach 44:1.9-13;
Mark 11:11-26)
Today’s reading from
Sirach gave rise to one of the most celebrated books in American
literature. The title, Let Us Now
Praise Famous Men, comes from the first verse of the reading. But the author, James Agee, does not tell of
any recognizable heroes. Rather he and
the photographer, Walker Evans, focus on the good, poor people who struggled to
survive during the Great Depression.
Sirach also dedicates
a few lines to the just people who believe in God and live according to His
law. They take care of their families
who will remember them at least for a few generations. After that, their lives will only be known to
God who will love them for all eternity.
Often we are tempted
to do something “cool.” We want to stand
out among people for being different. We
must resist the urge of vanity although we should not hesitate to help others
and give glory to God. In any case, we
want to adhere to God’s law and trust that God will give us all we need for
happiness.
