2016, October 23 ~ Sirach 35:12-17 or Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22 & 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Track 2 of the Revised Common Lectionary offers a choice between Sirach and Jeremiah.
Sirach 35:12-17
The Book of Sirach is not included in the Jewish version of the Hebrew Bible, but is included in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox versions of the Hebrew Bible. Protestants place Sirach in a separate section of the Bible called the “Apocrypha” (which means “hidden books”). The book is known by the name of its author, and its full title is “The Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach.” In the Roman Catholic tradition, the book is known as “Ecclesiasticus” (“the Church’s book”). It was written around 180 BCE, during a time when the Seleucids (from Syria) were ruling Judea and trying to impose Greek gods upon the Judeans. Ben Sira describes himself as a “scribe” (which means a person of learning). The Prologue to Sirach contains the first reference in Jewish Literature to “the Law, the Prophesies, and the rest of the books” – the division of the Hebrew Bible into three parts. The book primarily consists of “traditional” advice to young men in the Jewish community, consistent with advice to young men contained in the Book of Proverbs.
Today’s reading is part of a chapter in which Sirach urges sincere and cheerful generosity to the Most High (i.e. at the Temple) advising that the Lord will repay sevenfold (v. 13) and will listen to the prayers of those who have been wronged (v. 16).
Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
Most Bible scholars agree that the Book of Jeremiah underwent substantial revisions between the time of Jeremiah (627 – 587 BCE) and the First Century. Many of the sections in the book that are in “poetry style” are attributed to the prophet himself, and parts in “prose style” were added later. Today’s reading is in “poetry style.” It is a lament that confesses Judea’s sins, bemoans the absence of Yahweh, recognizes the destruction of Judea at the hands of the Babylonians, and prays that Yahweh (who controls everything) will save or restore the Judeans.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The Letters to Timothy and Titus are called “Pastoral Letters” because they concern the internal life, governance and behavior of the early Christian churches and their members. Most scholars agree they were written in the early Second Century in Paul’s name by some of his followers (Paul died in 64 CE). Writing something in someone else’s name was a common practice in the First and Second Centuries.
2 Timothy is more personal than 1 Timothy. In today’s reading from the last chapter of the letter, “Paul” reflects on his impending death and praises the Lord for the strength to proclaim the Gospel. The reference to the “lion’s mouth” (v. 17) recalls Daniel in the lion’s den.