On Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 44:10–15 and Luke 12:1–8
In the Spirit of Thursday in the Second Week After the Octave of Pentecost (Feria V infra Hebdomadam II post Octavam Pentecostes)
As we journey through the time after Pentecost, the Church, in her ancient wisdom, leads us to ponder both the legacy of the saints and the firm courage demanded of us in this passing world. The Mass of this feria presents us with two luminous texts: Ecclesiasticus 44:10–15, a hymn to the righteous, and Luke 12:1–8, Our Lord’s stern yet consoling words about hypocrisy, fear, and eternal remembrance.
“But these men of mercy are blessed, whose godly deeds have not failed.”
(Eccli. 44:10)
In Ecclesiasticus—also known as Sirach—chapter 44 begins the liturgical roll-call of Israel’s faithful. The inspired author exalts those whose names may not have echoed through the courts of kings but are etched into the memory of the Church: “Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation” (v. 14).
St. John Chrysostom reflects that the Church does not require worldly honor for the memory of her saints, “for their glory comes not from men, but from God, who has set them as shining lights in the firmament of His Church.” These are not merely memorialized individuals; they are types, exemplars of righteousness who become a spiritual inheritance.
St. Ambrose, commenting on this passage, sees in it the communion of saints: “The righteous live not only in God, but in the faithful memory of the Church; their works remain, their prayers assist, and their example speaks.” Their “seed,” as the text says, “shall remain continually”—the holy lineage of faith carried forward in spiritual children, disciples, and converts.
In the season following Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost inflames hearts to courage and fidelity, this remembrance becomes a call to participate in the Church’s living memory. The saints’ silence, their obscurity to the world, is no hindrance to divine praise. As the prophet declares: “The people will tell of their wisdom, and the Church shall shew forth their praise” (v. 15).
“Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
(Luke 12:7)
The Gospel passage from St. Luke complements this quiet glory by contrasting it with the vanity of worldly recognition and the danger of hypocrisy. The Lord speaks before a multitude, yet directs His gaze to the few—His disciples—warning them of the leaven of the Pharisees. The true disciple must be willing to be forgotten by men, if only he be remembered by God.
St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on this text, writes: “To fear men more than God is to put oneself in their power. But to confess Christ before men is to gain the power of God Himself, who will confess us before the angels.” This is the blessed exchange: to lose the world’s approval but gain the acknowledgment of the Son of God.
The Gospel strikes a balance: it is a strong rebuke to hypocrisy, yet a gentle reassurance to the humble. The Divine Master, knowing the temptations of cowardice and self-preservation, says: “Fear not.” Not even the smallest bird falls outside the providence of the Father. How then can we, marked with the Cross and sealed by the Spirit, fear to speak the truth?
St. Augustine offers a penetrating insight: “God does not forget even the sparrow, yet we forget ourselves when we forget Him.” The saints in Ecclesiasticus remembered God in all things, and were remembered by Him. The Pharisees forgot Him, seeking only appearances, and thus gained only passing renown.
A Time of Quiet Growth and Eternal Remembrance
This Thursday after the Octave of Pentecost reminds us that the work of the Spirit continues quietly in the faithful soul. The righteous men of old, buried in peace, and the sparrows under the Father’s eye are not signs of passivity, but of profound interior strength and trust.
Let us take courage, then. Let us walk in the hidden ways of sanctity, trusting that nothing is forgotten before God. Let us confess Christ, even when the crowd listens for something else. And let us remember the Church’s eternal memory—rooted in love, fed by grace, and destined for glory.
Suggested Spiritual Exercise:
- Read aloud Ecclesiasticus 44:1–15 slowly and prayerfully, considering which “just men” in your life (known or unknown) have modeled hidden holiness. Offer a prayer for the repose of their souls.
- Meditate on Luke 12:1–8 and ask yourself: where are you tempted to “fear man” rather than “confess Christ”? Resolve to act on one instance of evangelical boldness today.
- Invoke the Holy Ghost, who brings all things to remembrance (John 14:26), asking Him to make your memory like that of the Church: filled with the light of the saints, not the distractions of the world.
“Their name liveth unto generation and generation.” May we, too, be remembered—not for what the world sees, but for the confession we make before God and His angels.
In Christo Rege,
Catechismus Catholicum