The Word today, 7C
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- Feb 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 15
February 24 - March 01, 2025
This week, we begin reading Ecclesiasticus or Sirach or the Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sira. This is a late wisdom book, which survives in its entirely in Greek. Something of the complicated history of the text can be gleaned from the nal chapter, where we read:
Instruction in understanding and knowledge I have written in this book, Jesus son of Eleazar son of Sirach of Jerusalem, whose mind poured forth wisdom. (Sir 50:27) The book is a translation completed some time after 117 BC. The Hebrew original is usually dated to between 195- 180 BC.
The book as a whole is scholarly and belongs not to proverbial wisdom but to tractate wisdom as found in Job or Qoheleth. It contains a number of marvellous nature poems, praising God, the creator, present in all that exists.
Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10 Wisdom is a great gift and who would not like to wise? The writer is aware of that wisdom is both a mystery and a gift. Ecclesiasticus takes up the traditional feminine imagery of Lady Wisdom, the complement of every human being.
Mark 9:14-29 There is a great admission or confession at the heart of this Gospel story: I do have faith. Help the little faith I have! That could be our prayer today: we all have some faith — so there is room for growth!
Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 Our reading is both an invitation and warning. A warning rst: the spiritual journey will be demanding. Cf. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31) Then invitation: it is the only journey, full of reward. Ecclesiasticus is deeply reassuring.
Mark 9:30-37 In Mark, each of the three passion predictions is linked directly to a misunderstanding of discipleship following by a teaching on how to be a disciple.
Ecclesiasticus 4:12-22 The search for wisdom is common to all cultures and takes different forms. In the Bible, wisdom is portrayed as feminine— as mother, wife and companion. To become wise is to desire what God desires, to align ourselves with Lady Wisdom.
Mark 9:38-40 The tendency to exclusivism is common, but it can still surprise that the early Jesus disciples also suffered from. Perhaps that is consoling!! Jesus’ reply is robust and as valid now as then.
St Gregory of Narek, abbot and doctor
Ecclesiasticus 5:1-10 We are told these days to be gentle with ourselves — wholesome advice which could lead to complacency and even spiritual sloth. Ecclesiasticus puts us right in powerful cascade of negative imperatives, each staring with “do not.”
Mark 9:41-50 The warning in the Gospel is not unlike the warnings in the rst reading: whatever gets in the way of discipleship should be resolutely set aside. The sharp humour of the teaching does not not conceal its earnestness.
Ecclesiasticus 6:5-17 The wisdom book reect widely on the human condition. Today, the important subject of friends (and enemies) comes up for comment. It would certainly make you think again today, even if it sounds a little worldly wise and would not be out of place in advice columns!
Mark 10:1-12 Jesus’ teaching on divorce is both historical and clear. He calls us back to the great ideal of life-long delity from the book of Genesis. Jesus does not typically legislate and it is likely that here we have the restoration of an ideal, something to be striven for.
St David, bishop
Ecclesiasticus 17:1-13 In one of the psalms, there is a great question: When I look at your heavens, the work of your ngers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? (Psalms 8:3–4) We do all ask who are we in the sight of God, in the grand scheme of things? A very considered answer is given in this reading.
Mark 10:13-16 The desire to protect the leadership can itself be an abuse of power. This was true in the time of Jesus and, of course, just as true today.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025p, February 23). Seventh Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022325.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
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