My brothers, Sirach 11:20-31 is marvelous because it reveals to us two serious problems that we encounter in our daily life. The first is inconstancy, because we change our opinion every hour. The second problem is the lack of memory. As we forget easily the benefits of God!

The word of God comes to alert us: “My child, stand by your agreement and attend to it, grow old while doing your work.” New American Bible. (2011) (Revised Edition.). Washington, DC: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

You that are mother and father, remain firm in your work of being parents. You that are married, remain firm in your work of husband and wife. Do not rest from your duties, do not give up, remain firm in your work that the Lord designed for you.

The bible passsage of today speaks of the realization of this work. But what work is it? Jesus speaks to us of it. “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. ” New American Bible. (2011) (Revised Edition.). Washington, DC: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Our work consists in being salt of the Earth and light of the world in all that we may do. We have to spread the light of God, the light of faith wherever we are. If we are lost, we lose all.

Remain firm in your work as a person of light, because, thus, your heart will be filled with hope. You are only going to remain firm when you accept that you are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world, when you assume this light that comes from God.

We can only continue the commitments of our daily life, because we have the light of the Lord. With it we remain firm in our work and we refer others to that light.

The worlds needs people that may be this light , or maybe remain in place, but are not jumping from branch to branch, changing every hour.

Husbands be the reference in your house, assuming that which is yours, age covering your debts. Be light do not cast anyone outside, nor cast away your marriage, your children, your parents or your beloved in the trash. The moment you throw away those that God entrusted to you, you stop being reference to the world.

The word still alerts us: “Do not marvel at the works of a sinner, but trust in the LORD and wait for his light; For it is easy in the eyes of the LORD suddenly, in an instant, to make the poor rich.” (Sir 11:21) New American Bible. (2011) (Revised Edition.). Washington, DC: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Do not be arrogant, for that which is the salt of the Earth and the light to the world recognizes his dependence on God. Do not forget these things. If everything is sure in your life, do not put God aside, do not forget to thank Him for your health and for you life that He gave to you for you to arrive where you are. In the hour of pain, also do not forget these good things that He did in your life. Remember the benefits of the Lord. Put difficult moments in the hands of the Lord and allow Him to act.

Today, the Lord wants to refresh your memory. Remember all His benefits in your life and thank Him. Ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to remain firm in your works, desire to be a reference complete your duties to the end.

Alexandre Oliveira

Member of the Canção Nova Community

Translated from Portuguese