Sirach 2:1-11 / Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40 / Mark 9: 30-37
God’s word is the greatest consoler and counselor that we could ever hope for. There are words in scripture that will correlate with any situation we are in, or any emotion we are experiencing. His words are not always for sad circumstances, they are for joyous celebrations as well, such as Christmas, Easter, weddings, baptisms and expressions of gratitude for our blessings too. However, the first reading today from the book of Sirach is for challenging times.
The words from the book of Sirach today are uplifting, confirming, reassuring and validate the feelings we sometimes experience in our lives. These verses in scripture are well worth highlighting in your bible, or book marking it in some way, to refer back to when you do need to be reassured, find compassion, encouragement and hope for a better future. These are beautiful words that can help with over coming despair over the trials we all go through at some point in our lives.
Did you notice the four verses that seem to be a miniature litany? They are filled with the Holy Spirit:
You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
and your hearts will be enlightened.
The book of Sirach is written from the perspective of a father to his child: “My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing.”
The entire reading is a beautiful instruction or guide in facing the hard times of life, through the eyes of faith and reliance on God. These writings were recorded for the benefit of a child, or a group of people represented by the word “child”. We are often called children of God and Jesus even called his disciples children at times. The words the author recorded became not just written guidance for his child or those under his care, they became words that guide us all many centuries later. Many generations have read the beauty of these words.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus made a point to gather all twelve of his disciples together and spoke them:
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
It is not the greatness of their calling to proclaim the Gospel, or who can do that the best, that is valuable in Christ’s eyes. It was the simple act of welcoming a child that showed a person’s greatness. And why is that? Maybe it is because taking care of a child is an act of unselfishness, of self giving and of serving the needs of a little one. He said:
“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”
Both of the readings today have to do with being a parent or maybe a father figure who takes care of his flock. The book of Sirach illustrates how a good father sits down and explains things to their child that will help them understand the ways of God and draw strength and courage in the future. The writer also unknowingly portrays the way a good parent teaches their children in a way that they remain open to listening. Jesus does the same thing in today’s Gospel. He calls his disciples together, sits them all down and explains to them what makes a person great in his eyes. They learn a valuable lesson from him about everyday humble service to those that they love.
The Lord indicates that children are not a burden, but a gift. We are to welcome them into the world and into our families as a gift. The life of each child is valuable to him and he wants us to love them and take good care of them, similar to the way the author of the book of Sirach taught his child about the ways of God too.
Notice in the Gospel today though, the disciples, “did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him”. It was a serious matter they did not understand, but they were afraid to ask Jesus about it. This was not the Lord’s fault that they were afraid to ask him a question. It was theirs because Jesus later explains all about what makes a person great. Perhaps that is why Jesus ended up asking them a question himself: “What were you arguing about on the way?” It may have been to show them, that they could always talk to him, even if it was about something that they were afraid he might get upset with them about.
This is absolutely wonderful advice for any parent. As parents, we need to make sure our children know that they can ask us any question. We assume that they already know this, but Jesus’ disciples didn’t. Jesus had to make a point to clear that matter up and we should too. Today would be a good day to talk to your children, your students, your parishioners or whoever is under your care and make sure they know there is no such thing as a silly question, or even asking a serious question that they know might upset us. Your words could have a hugely beneficial effect not just with this generation, but through them it could benefit the generations to come, like it did with the scriptures today.
