If you were a Jew or a gentile, lived in the days of the early church, and decided you wanted to be a follower, you would become part of the original OCIA process. You would be instructed using the book of Sirach, which we’re reading this week, and which was used extensively to teach the early catechumens and the faithful about God’s ways.
Sirach was written around 200 B.C, when the Jewish people were being strongly influenced by popular Greek culture. It’s believed that the author of this book was an experienced sage who had plenty to share with the youth of his day. Rather than confront all the social and political challenges of those times, the author focuses on the timeless value of wisdom. He could see that the youth were being drawn to the new Greek ways, its philosophies and lifestyle. The author, called Ben Sira, wanted to guide the youth on how to live an honorable life, and how to be happy at home and at work. His whole message is that happiness can only be achieved if one maintains their covenant with the God of Israel.
If we listen closely this week, we’ll hear Ben Sira’s many admonitions against the dangers of slander, gossip, insincere friends. In other verses, he even writes about how to manage your money and urges them to be honorable in business.
Throughout the book, he promotes Jewish piety. He instructs them to surrender absolute control to God and speaks his message through proverbs, prayers, hymns and questions.
In our gospel today, Jesus is trying to share with his apostles that he is about to suffer and die. But, as stunning as that news was, their hearts and minds were focused elsewhere. What was important to them was not the words and wisdom of Jesus.
So, although written a long time ago, the wisdom of Sirach still speaks to us, especially these days. With all that’s going on in our world today, don’t we all need a bit of wisdom and guidance to maintain our focus? Please listen again and reflect on these wise words:
Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune, be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;
keep his fear and grow old therein.
