The Book of Sirach is also called the Wisdom of ben Sirah or Ecclesiasticus. It is not included in the Jewish and Protestant Bibles. It is one of the wisdom books. It was written in the Third Century BC, probably in Alexandria, by a Hellenistic Jew named Jesus ben Sirah. It has both a Hebrew and Greek version. Wisdom literature gives practical advice for leaders, groups of people and individuals. It recognizes God as the ultimate authority over all.
Justice is a balance in society that governs the relationship among people. God enforces that recognition of the rights of every person. There is no prior classification of social status before the Lord hears the complaint of the petitioner, who comes to Him for justice.
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Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Paul writes that his death is imminent. He speaks of it as a sacrifice, “poured out like a libation.” The Greek word for “departure” is used for soldiers breaking camp or a ship leaving its mooring to begin a voyage.
Paul uses sports’ imagery in obtaining the “crown of righteousness.” It is a crown that is offered to anyone who “longed for His appearance.” Paul will not be alone. It is not a race that overcomes others. It is finishing the course that merits the crown. The same reward awaits Timothy and all who remain committed to the Word of God. It is not earned, but obtained from God as a gift. The “faith” could refer to the creedal faith in God, or it could mean Paul’s own steadfastness in his mission.
In the intervening verses between the first and last section of this reading, Paul urges Timothy to join him. He mentions several people, who have hurt his case at trial. The reference to “all the Gentiles” acknowledges the cosmopolitan audience of Rome, where Paul would be serving his final imprisonment. Paul was always conscious of “the Lord [who] stood by me.” The “lion’s mouth” is a metaphorical description of any serious threat. Paul was confident that God would deliver him safely “to his heavenly kingdom.”
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus makes clear in this parable that things are not immediately as obvious as they may seem to be. Pride, even in doing good things, separates one from another. Indeed, the name Pharisee comes from a Hebrew word that means “the separate one.” It was not a title that the Pharisees used for themselves. It was used about them by others, who saw their strict observances of the Law as separating them from the practices of the larger population.
The identification of the characters as Pharisee or tax collector is not the critical factor in the story. It only serves to heighten the contrast between the two. Even the individual offense or reason for their prayer is not revealed. The attitude of their prayer is the element, which decides whether they are “justified.” Justification comes about not as a product of one’s own actions, even in following the Law. It comes as a result of one’s attitude before God, who acts. This story is not for Pharisees and tax collectors alone. It is for all of the disciples of Jesus – then and now!
The Pharisee “spoke this prayer to [or about] himself,” rather than addressing God. His arrogance served to exalt his relative position to the tax collector – at least in his own eyes! The tax collector does not have a position to take in the place of prayer, as does the Pharisee. He remains “at a distance.” The moralizing at the end of the parable reverses what would be expected, perhaps alluding to Ez 21:31: “Up with the low, and down with the high!”
The attitude with which you ask – of God or anyone else! – makes a big difference in the results. I have a difficult time asking people for money. And it shows. I am too focused on myself and not on the mission, which is supported by the money. But there was a lady in our parish, Irene, who was absolutely devoted and committed to her cause of gathering donations! Our Silent Auction every year supports our Christian Service and the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the parish. It is a vital resource for the needy in our area. Irene collected donated gift certificates from stores and restaurants for the auction. She never came back empty-handed! If the proper person, who dispensed the certificates was not there, she would go back later. . .and as often as she had to, until she talked to them! If they gave out their quota of charitable contributions for the month, she went back the next month. Her efforts resulted in producing a large part of the income for the Silent Auction.
The key is to be focused on the mission. . .or the Lord, who sends us on that mission. . .rather than ourselves. God will not disappoint us in our efforts to serve Him.
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
