Arulvakku

30.05.2023 — Righteous Worship

8th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 30th May 2023 – Sirach 35,1-12; Mark 10,28-31

Righteous Worship

In the first reading, we are reminded that almsgiving and charitable acts are the best responses to what God has already done for each one of us. It is important to offer to God a sacrifice of loving service rather than ritualistic offerings. The book of Sirach praises the life of those who act with justice and charity. Caring for others, giving to the poor, and treating people properly are more pleasing to God than animal sacrifices. Offering animals to God is not as demanding of the person as are continual actions of loving others. Charity is actually more reflective of a person’s mind set than giving money to kill an animal and offer to God. To live a deeply moral life is in itself a form of worship. There should never be a division between our worship in church and the way we lead our daily lives. Further, Sirach instructs more strongly, “Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed.” Here empty-handed does not mean coming without sacrificial offerings, but without a record of good behaviour and acts of kindness and help to those in need.