Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Falling Into God’s Hands
![gods hands[2]](https://thenoontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/gods-hands2.jpg?w=300&h=230)
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.
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.
Earth image from: http://rahouck.blogspot.com/2010/07/whose-hands-its-in.html
Senior, Donald, ed. THE CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE. New York, Oxford University Press, 1990.822. Print.
For more on the author, Jesus ben Sirach, visit: www.humanistictexts.org/bensirach.htm
For more on the discussion about the legitimacy of The Book of Sirach, click on the image above or go to:
The Noontimes 