Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 Tuesday of the Seventh Week in ordinary Time

(Sirach 2:1-11; Mark 9:30-37)

Today, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, many Christians are reveling.  They know that tomorrow begins the traditional forty day fast.  It may be hoped that the revelers will fast with the same fervor as they celebrate now, but it would be a fool’s bet.  If one is serious about preparing for Lent, she should take to heart today’s readings.

In the first reading Sirach pleads with his readers to focus on the Lord.  He wants them to fear losing a sense of His presence.  If they do, they will be prey to a thousand tempting spirits.  In the gospel Jesus warns his disciples about concern of status.  He presents himself as a model of self-denying service.  He will be handed over and die for the salvation of the world.

Indulging a bit today may have some value.  If it focuses us on Lenten penance, we may experience greater desire to continue the practices throughout the season.  In any case, we should not minimize the importance of Lent.  With self-denial at its heart, Lenten observance is a matter of life and death.  That is, it keeps us on the path of the kingdom and off the aberrations of self-aggrandizing desire.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

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.