Sirach 27:4-7; Psalm 91(92); 1 Cor 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45
The Wisdom book called Ecclesiasticus or Sirach was written in Hebrew about 200 BC by Ben Sira, a Jewish sage, and later translated into Greek. It was not translated into Latin by Jerome, but the Greek version was accepted as canonical by the early Church, and there are many allusions to it in the new Testament. At a time of increasing pagan Greek influence, Ben Sira showed that Israel’s religion was still a firm basis for moral living. He gives many practical examples, helping Christians of every age to apply moral truths to their own times. Today’s reading reminds us not to judge a person before hearing them speak.
The psalm extols God’s justice: crime may appear to be rewarded but wrong-doers will be punished in eternity.
Paul concludes his teaching to the Corinthians on the resurrection of the body with these triumphant words from Isaiah and Hosea: “Death is swallowed up in victory”; “Death, where is your sting?” After death our mortal nature puts on immortality. We must therefore never give up hope, confident in the victory God gives us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus ends his sermon on the plain, which included the beatitudes, by reminding us how our actions and words reflect what is in our hearts.
Psalm Response: It is good to give you thanks, O Lord.
(Sirach 27:4-7; Psalm 91(92); 1 Cor 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45)