 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Tuesday, October 18, 2022 Sirach 35:12-17(Sirach? What’s that?) The first reading for next Sunday Sirach 35:12-17 Give to the Most high as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford. For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no partiality. He will not show partiality to the poor, but he will listen to the prayer of the one who is wronged. He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan, or the widow when she pours our her complaint.  But what IS Sirach? It’s one of those books that was accepted by Jews and Christians as part of the “Bible” in the earliest days of the Jesus movement, in the years before Christianity was definitively severed from Judaism. They were all included in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible – the only one that non-Hebrew speakers had available to read. And it was the only Bible non-Jewish Christians had, too. They were rejected as not “canonical” by Martin Luther and the Reformers, because second century Jews had decided that they were not part of their Hebrew canon. It’s complicated. Jews read them anyway, as did Christians. They are not like the much later compositions that both Jewish and Christian groups regard as non-canonical – like the Gospel of Thomas. In any case, Martin Luther also wanted to exclude the NT books of Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation! He didn’t succeed at that – but since the Reformation, Catholics have retained them, and Protestants have rejected them.Being Episcopalians, we keep them but understand that they aren’t to be used to formulate doctrine. This section, Sirach – or Ecclesiasticus – was written about 200-175 BCE. It’s a book of common sense Jewish ethical teaching which echoes other writings, especially from the proverbs and the prophets. And there is plenty of wisdom in it. Here’s another bit: Sirach 10:1-3 A wise magistrate gives stability to his people. and government by the intelligent is well ordered. As the people’s judge, so the officials; as the head of a city, so its inhabitants. A reckless king destroys his people, but a city grows through the intelligence of its princes.  The psalm for Sunday Psalm 84:1-6 How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may bear her young; by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Happy are they who dwell in your house! they will always be praising you. Happy are the people whose strength is in you!whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way. Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, for the early rains have covered it with pools of water. They will climb from height to height, and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion. Adult Class 9:30 AM We will continue discussing the book, AFTER, for the next two Sundays. In November, we will change our schedule of study/activity. We will include kids with adults AFTER church, with lunch, for learning and activities together. We usually do this during Advent, but we are beginning sooner this year, to prepare for the Bishop’s visit on December 4. Here is what is planned so far: November 6, 13 and 20 – What is a bishop? What are the symbols associated with a bishop? What’s a crozier? A mitre? These will be good fun and interesting for everybody Jolyn Hecht (who has worked in Episcopal churches in the past, and is experienced in planning events like these – will organize the sessions. She is likely to enlist some of you to help as time gets closer. If you want to volunteer – you can message her on facebook or see her on Sunday.(If you aren’t sure who she is – she’s the mom of Arabella, Alice and Arthur!) November 27 – First Sunday of Advent –We’ll be making Advent wreaths again, for those who do not have them, or who need fresh candles or greens – and we will also decorate cookies for St Nicholas day, which we will celebrate with the bishop om December 4. |
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