Homily: Eighth Thursday of Ordinary Time
Eighth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Sirach 42:15-25) “Wiser Than All”
The Book of Sirach is part of what is called Wisdom Literature. Wisdom Literature was written in reaction to the cosmopolitan nature of Biblical times. What does that mean? The world, when Jesus lived, was a place where cultures were of mix. This happened because of military conquest. It also happened because of improved transportation.
The dominant cultures in the first century were the Greeks and Romans. Another thing impacted that the lives of many was mass migration. This was driven, as it is today, mostly by economic factors. The Jews left Palestine to live all over the Roman empire. When they did this, they were emersed in the Greek and Roman cultures. The Jews learned Greek which was the economic language of the time. Also, they studied Greek and Roman Philosophy. Some forgot what was unique about their Jewish heritage. A fear arose that Jewish wisdom would be lost.
The Jews, in diaspora, began to write down the values that the Jewish Religion espoused. Writings like Sirach, Wisdom, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs were recorded. These writings were essential in passing on the Jewish tradition.
Many times, people are ready to question the wisdom of God. We see that frequently in the Bible. People like Job asked, “God do you really know what you are doing?” At such times, the Scripture reminds us of all the wonderful things God has done. We read in Chapter 38 of Job how God reminds Job of who the creative genius is. Job must acknowledge that he will never have the intelligence God possesses.
We have the same sort of argument put forth in the section of Sirach that we read at Mass today. God has more knowledge than humans will ever possess.
In our modern world, with all the scientific and technological advances, we need to be reminded at times of who the prime mover was at the beginning of all time.
Reflection:
- How often do I question God’s plans for the world? Do I sometimes feel like I could run the world better than God?
- Am I overwhelmed with information that is constantly thrown at me? Is any of it that important in the big picture?
Dear Parishioners,
This weekend, as we know, is Memorial Day weekend. I went to Kewanee on Monday and put flowers on my parents’ grave and on the grave of a dear friend of mine. This always gives me a sense of consolation.
I often wonder about those whose loved ones do not have a final resting place. When I walk around the cemetery, I see many relatives who influenced my life. I stop, pray, reflect, and give thanks. I have a sense of rootedness. It is too bad we live in a time where many people feel like they have no place that is their home. It is little wonder that people want to be cremated and have their ashes scattered. Hopefully, we will get back to a time where the graves of the dead are sacred and that a permanent resting place is desired.
I will be celebrating Mass at St. Mary Cemetery in Moline on Monday. I invite everyone to come. It will be at 9 a.m. Starting Memorial Day with prayer in the cemetery reminds us of what the day is all about. Even if we do not have relatives buried at St. Mary’s, we can still have a sense that those who have gone before us in faith are praying for us now.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark