Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the HolySpirit that has been given to us. (NSRV)
Avoiding sorrow, we forfeit an opportunity to grow in God’s love.
Rejecting obstacles, we lose our intimacy with Christ.
Refusing to see that goodness overcomes harm, we reject the healing touch of the Spirit.
Surviving through faith, we receive hope.
Living in Christ, we experience peace and grace.
Handing ourselves over to God’s offer of love, we grow in endurance.
Resting in grief, we blossom in grace to develop patience that carries us home.
When we use the scripture link and the drop-down menus, we come to see that adversity trains us in the development of patience, a patience that will serve us in our journey home.
This book is not found in Hebrew or Protestant Bibles, but it is considered inspired by Catholic scholars. So if we have time to spend with these words today, we will want to read as much as we can for it contains “numerous maxims, formulated with care, grouped by affinity, an dealing with a variety of subjects . . . It treats of friendship, education, poverty and wealth, the law, religious worship, and many other matters which reflect the religious and social customs of the time . . . Written in Hebrew between 200 and 175 B.C., the text was translated into Greek sometime after 132. B.C. by the author’s grandson, who also wrote a Foreword which contains information about the book, the author, and the translator himself”. (Senior 822)
The verses we find in this wisdom book are often cited in reference to friendship and this week we are invited to discover the divine in our most intimate relationships as we explore some of the many gems that the author, Jesus son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, has passed to us through the millennia. He has much to share with us and he wastes no time for beginning in the first chapters we may find the entry way to the understanding and knowledge that lead to God’s Wisdom.
Who alone knows the height of heaven, the breadth of earth, the depth of the abyss?
Who alone knows all that was even before the creation of Wisdom herself?
Who alone creates? Who alone pours forth bounty upon his creatures? Who alone consoles the heart?
Who alone brings gladness, and joy and length of days?
It is the Lord, and fear – or love and awe – of this Lord is the first step in gaining true wisdom, God’s Wisdom.
When we act in patience, we receive Wisdom.
When we exercise prudence, we receive Wisdom.
When we attend to the revelation of God through scripture – the Torah, and the Prophets – we receive Wisdom.
Play not the hypocrite before men; over your lips keep watch. Exalt not yourself lest you fall and bring upon you dishonor.
Portion of Sirach Scroll found at Masada
Nothing is held in secret from Wisdom; indeed, she reveals all before all.
When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in times of adversity. Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great.
In fire is gold tested, and worthy ones in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you; make straight your ways and hope in God.
Those who love the Lord prepare their hearts and humble themselves before him. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord and not into the hands of men, for equal to his majesty is the mercy God shows.
First written on February 13, 2010. Re-written and posted today as a Favorite.
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