In the spirit of Feria IV after the Third Sunday after Pentecost, we contemplate the readings from Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 31:8-11 and the Gospel of Luke 12:35-40. Both passages invite us to meditate on the themes of vigilance and the promise of divine reward, resonating deeply with the teachings of the Church Fathers and the rich tradition of the Church.
Blessed is the Rich Man Who is Found Without Blemish (Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11)
Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 extols the virtues of a wealthy man who remains untainted by sin and greed. The passage reads:
“Blessed is the rich man who is found without blemish, and who has not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. Who is he, and we will praise him? For he has done wonderful things in his life. Who has been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and has not transgressed, and could do evil things, and has not done them: Therefore are his goods established in the Lord.”
The Church Fathers consistently teach that true wealth lies not in material riches but in spiritual integrity and moral uprightness. St. Augustine of Hippo, reflecting on the nature of true wealth, emphasizes that the heart purified from the love of earthly possessions is itself a treasure in the sight of God. He writes, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). This aligns with the message of Ecclesiasticus, as the virtuous man is praised not for his wealth, but for his steadfastness in righteousness amidst temptations.
St. John Chrysostom further elucidates that the true test of a person’s character is how they wield their power and resources. He states, “It is not wealth that is the root of evil, but the improper use of it. Riches, when rightly used, become an instrument for virtue, and when wrongly used, an occasion for vice.” The passage from Ecclesiasticus calls us to reflect on our own lives, urging us to prioritize virtue over material gain and to trust in God’s providence.
Be Ready and Watchful (Luke 12:35-40)
In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus teaches about the importance of vigilance and readiness for the coming of the Lord:
“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: Amen I say to you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know, that if the goodman of the house did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.”
The imagery of girded loins and burning lamps evokes a sense of preparedness and anticipation. The Church Fathers, particularly St. Cyril of Alexandria, interpret this passage as a call to spiritual vigilance. He writes, “Our loins must be girded, which means that we must be ready and free from the encumbrance of worldly concerns, and our lamps must be burning with the light of good works and faith.”
St. Gregory the Great expands on this idea, likening the burning lamps to the inner light of charity that must illuminate our lives. He states, “The flame of the lamp is the fervor of charity, and the oil is the desire of heavenly things. The lamp must be kept burning, that is, our soul must always be on fire with love for God and our neighbor.”
This Gospel passage, like the reading from Ecclesiasticus, underscores the importance of inner purity and readiness for the Lord’s coming. It calls us to live each day in a state of spiritual alertness, detached from the distractions of the world, and focused on our eternal destiny.
Conclusion: The Call to Holiness and Vigilance
The readings from Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 and Luke 12:35-40 together offer a profound lesson in the virtues of vigilance and the right use of our resources. They remind us that true blessedness lies in our moral integrity and readiness for the Lord’s return. The Church Fathers guide us to understand that our lives must be marked by a fervent love for God and neighbor, and a vigilant anticipation of Christ’s coming.
As we reflect on these passages during the liturgical season following the Third Sunday after Pentecost, let us renew our commitment to live as faithful stewards of God’s gifts, always ready to meet our Lord with burning lamps and girded loins, ever watchful and ever faithful.