As we meditate on today’s readings in the spirit of Sabbato infra Hebdomadam IV post Epiphaniam, the Church presents us with a striking harmony between the wisdom of the Old Testament and the teachings of Our Lord in the Gospel. Sirach 31:8-11 extols the virtue of detachment from wealth and the reward of a just steward, while Luke 12:35-40 exhorts us to vigilance, reminding us that our true Master will return at an hour we do not expect.
Blessed is the Man Who is Found Without Blemish (Sirach 31:8-11)
“Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.” (Sir 31:8)
The wisdom of Sirach praises the man who, though possessing wealth, is not enslaved by it. St. John Chrysostom explains that true riches are not found in material abundance, but in righteousness before God:
“Not he who has wealth, but he who despises wealth, is truly rich.” (Homilies on Matthew, 63)
The Fathers often warned against the dangers of attachment to wealth. St. Cyprian of Carthage writes:
“He is truly rich who desires nothing, and he is truly poor who covets all things.” (De Opere et Eleemosynis, 14)
This passage from Sirach does not condemn wealth itself but highlights the virtue of temperance and detachment. The rich man who remains unstained by greed is a rare example of holiness. His hands, though capable of acquiring much, are not defiled by grasping for more. St. Ambrose, reflecting on such a soul, says:
“Riches are not a sin, but sin lies in the way they are used. It is the love of money that is the root of all evils.” (De Officiis, 2.28)
The reward for such a faithful steward is lasting renown:
“Who is he, and we will praise him? For he hath done wonderful things in his life.” (Sir 31:9)
Here, we see a foreshadowing of the Gospel’s teaching on watchfulness, as Our Lord calls His faithful servants to remain ever vigilant, awaiting His return.
Be Ye Ready: The Vigilant Servant (Luke 12:35-40)
“Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands.” (Lk 12:35)
Our Lord’s parable of the vigilant servant perfectly complements the wisdom of Sirach. Just as the just man is praised for his detachment from earthly riches, so too is the faithful servant praised for his readiness to meet the Master.
St. Gregory the Great, reflecting on this passage, explains the imagery of girded loins and burning lamps:
“To have our loins girded is to restrain the lusts of the flesh; to have our lamps burning is to preserve the light of good works before men.” (Homilies on the Gospels, 13)
The readiness Our Lord demands is not mere passivity but active watchfulness. St. Cyril of Alexandria comments:
“To watch means not to be immersed in worldly distractions, but to keep our hearts fixed on the hope of Christ’s return.” (Commentary on Luke, Sermon 92)
The image of the returning Master reinforces the urgency of this vigilance. The faithful steward is blessed because he remains prepared, his lamp still burning, his heart undistracted by worldly cares.
Applying This Wisdom to Our Lives
In this liturgical season, as we move beyond the joyful light of Epiphany and deeper into the life of discipleship, these readings remind us of two essential virtues: detachment and vigilance.
- Detachment: The just man does not place his trust in riches, but in God. As St. Augustine exhorts:“Possess riches, but do not let riches possess you.” (Sermon 36 on the New Testament)
- Vigilance: The faithful servant keeps his heart ready, knowing that Christ may come at any moment. St. Basil the Great warns:“As long as we are in the body, let us not sleep in negligence, lest death overtake us unprepared.” (Homily on Psalm 33)
Conclusion: The Reward of the Faithful
The wise steward and the detached soul are blessed because they look beyond this world to the eternal. Their reward is not only praise among men but the eternal commendation of God:
“Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat, and passing, will minister unto them.” (Lk 12:37)
This is the astonishing promise of Christ: the Master Himself will serve His faithful servants in the Kingdom of Heaven. May we, too, be found watchful and detached from the passing wealth of this world, that we may hear those glorious words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Mt 25:21)
Domine, concede nobis vigilantiam et puritatem cordis, ut te paratos exspectemus in adventu tuo!