Those Little Things
In the larger scheme of things, it was a small revelation that had a significant impact on me. I am talking about discovering the Book of Sirach. Be advised that, for assorted reasons, it is not always easy to find the location of this book in your Bible.
While my Saint Joseph edition of the New American Bible lists Sirach as The Wisdom of Ben Sira, also known as Ecclesiasticus (but not to be confused with the Book of Ecclesiastes!), the Book of Sirach is a collection of ethical teachings that encourages readers to live a faithful life by following God's law. The book's main messages include:
Fear of the Lord
(the gift of) Wisdom from God
Duties toward others
Living within the covenant (being faithful to God in all aspects of our lives)
Avoiding sin (especially sins such as gossip, lies, and the sins of the flesh)
Living virtuously (be humble, sincere, and moderate)
I cannot remember when I first encountered the Book of Sirach, but for me it has become second only to the Book of Psalms as a favorite in the Wisdom Books category. During our final week in Ordinary Time before Lent 2025 begins next Wednesday, the daily Scripture readings include many from the Book of Sirach.
About 30 years ago, I was blessed to participate in a powerful prayer group for friends battling cancer. The group was comprised of ladies from our local Catholic, Methodist, Congregational and Lutheran churches. We each brought our own Bibles or made use of the Catholic editions that were available in our meeting room. When one of our Catholic members cited a reading from Sirach, our prayer warriors using a Protestant Bible edition were perplexed. “Where were we finding this book?” We thought we were being helpful when we responded, “in the Old Testament.” We soon discovered that Sirach did not exist in their Bible versions.
Further research revealed that the Book of Sirach was not included in the Jewish Bible after the first century A.D.; it was therefore not accepted by Protestants. I am grateful The Wisdom of Ben Sira has been recognized by the Catholic Church as inspired and canonical. I find its advice personal, practical, and comforting. It can provide a great road map for our spiritual travels, especially as we enter the season of Lent.
Sometimes it’s the little things that count most. A book of the Bible that other faiths did not feel merited inclusion has offered me wisdom and insight. Let’s not overlook the seemingly strange and minor ways God will reach out to us during our Lenten journeys. Offer a listening ear. Hear someone’s heart when they talk to you, even when you are in a hurry at the grocery store. Open your Bible and read.
Lenten Blessings!
