Sirach 3: Love in the Family

20Feb/090

Sirach 3: Love in the Family

A lot of Sirach is read in the Church's liturgy throughout the lectionary and the Liturgy of the Hours, but Sirach 3 in particular is featured in readings for Sunday Masses at least on the Feast of the Holy Family each year (Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14) and on the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Sirach 3:17-20, 28-29), when the readings expose the love and characteristics between members of a family.

Sirach 3 talks about how we are to conduct ourselves in our families: both in our earthly family, and in our Heavenly family (since we have fathers and mothers in both.)

I truly love and believe the verses like:

Vs 5) He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.

Vs 10) Glory not in your father's shame, for his shame is no glory to you!

12-13) My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.

17) My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.

21) What is committed to you, attend to; for what is hidden is not your concern.

And, after the whole Chapter on how to behave between father and son, this beautiful promise:

Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.

He who does a kindness is remembered afterward;

when he falls, he finds a support.

(Vs. 29-30)

The good we do does have a dividend - in atonement for the flames brought on by our sins.

We reap what we sow.

Our family is ours to honor.

Our humility and kindness reap eternal rewards.

- Reflections on Sirach: Preview

- Chapter 1

- Chapter 2

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About Michael

Michael loves his God, wife, 3 sons, family & friends, reading, music, & his garden. He's a music director at Holy Family Catholic Church. By day, he is a Sr. Consultant at Omniture, an Adobe company.

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