Sunday Scripture Readings

Submitted on May 24, 2007

Fr. Francis X. Cleary, SJ

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, AUGUST 29 Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14 OUR GOOD NEWS: We must stay humble to be exalted. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom was pagan in origin, and practical rather than formally religious in content. To a large extent it consisted of shrewd advice for ambitious young gentlemen on how to get ahead, how to succeed in business and politics, and how to maintain their privileges as members of the upper class. Sirach (also known as Ben Sira or Ecclesiasticus) is a later Old Testament book in the wisdom tradition, accepted as canonical by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, but not by Protestants. Its secular roots are reflected in today’s selection, which offers solid advice applicable to any aspiring salesperson or management trainee. Be unassuming in conduct, especially with inferiors. Always listen to advice from older superiors, and make their "proverbs" one’s own (e.g., "the customer is always right"). Ancient Israel showed commendable humility in its willingness to learn from pagan neighbors. But she reinterpreted everything in light of the special divine revelation with which the Chosen People had been blessed. Biblical wisdom puts "success philosophy" into a religious context; it is God, rather than the watchful office manager, who matters. Sirach, the teacher and wise man, wanted his students committed and God-fearing Jews, so he emphasized the practical virtues of everyday business and social life. Arrogance hurts sales and hinders advancement, but its religious implications are far more destructive. Such behavior reflects autonomy and self-sufficiency, whereas, in fact, we are quite dependent creatures owing life and talents to a loving God. Sirach’s teaching included what his audience needed to hear but may have preferred to ignore. "The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs," he concluded. Very well; here’s one to ponder. "Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins." Religion means more than prayer and churchgoing. Be practical! Get right with God through genuine and effective concern for His poor!" We need to heed Sirach’s advice. He emphasized that humility and other virtues can have practical effects, not just obeying God and saving our souls. Genuine selflessness is normally appreciated. Proper moral living includes correct etiquette and politeness. Jesus’ astute observation in today’s Gospel passage likewise calls for a radical reordering of our priorities, of the principles governing daily life, if we wish to enter His Kingdom. We must "turn" from militant insistence on our "rights," from preoccupation with whatever is to our advantage, from a "50-50" mentality that gives only to receive. Humility means being generous and selfless without the "hook" of selfishness, awaiting the reward for goodness that finally comes from God alone. Today’s psalm poses practical challenges to our Christian self-understanding. The first and third readings emphasize that sharing with the needy is as important as churchgoing and prayer. We are called to identify with the poor in two ways: by imitating God’s special care for them (almsgiving), and by practicing humility. Moreover, is our personal and community prayer sufficiently praise-filled or excessively petitionary? How vigorous and joyful is our hymn singing?