Thanksgiving Is A Sacrifice Acceptable To God
Introduction
“Honour the Lord with generosity… Add a smiling face to all your gifts” says the first reading. The advice of Ben Sirach is for honest persons to thank God by offering sacrifices. But, one thing is sure here to note: God will not accept sacrifices from dishonest people, for he accepts no bribes.
What about those who give up everything for the sake of the kingdom of heaven? They will not only “inherit heaven” but find happiness on earth in the freedom from worries about losing material goods and the inner freedom of belonging to all, in the joy of winning many brothers and sisters in the community. And curiously enough but realistically, Mark adds that they will retain their happiness and reward even in the contradictions and persecutions they encounter in their endeavors for the kingdom. One must remain free and poor within oneself.
1 Reading: Sirach 35:1-12
To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
To refrain from evil pleases the LORD,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one’s offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odour before the Most High.
The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Responsorial Psalm: 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Alleluia: cf. Matthew 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 10:28-31
Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Commentary
God is never outdone in generosity. This comes through clearly in today’s readings, where Sirach speaks of worthy sacrifices offered to God. Even before offering a sacrifice, one must lead an upright, law-abiding life. The observance of the law and works of charity should underlie every cultic or sacrificial offering. Every offering is an expression of gratitude, an attitude in which the Lord delights.
Peter shows a measure of self-interest in reminding Jesus that the disciples have left everything to follow him. Jesus acknowledges their good will and assures them of blessings both here and hereafter.
This is the experience of most people who have dedicated themselves to the reign of God. Of course, there may be a certain pain in abandoning much that we hold dear in order to follow God’s will more perfectly. But, by the same token, those who dedicate themselves to the church have a home, new family ties—in short, a wealth of benefits. A life led on the Gospel path is not a life of “gloom and doom.”
The generosity of God is constantly before our eyes. This commentary has repeatedly held up gratitude as the keynote virtue of the Christian life. If we keep this before our eyes, our lives will have to be positive.
The psalmist says today, “Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honour me.” Let us praise him for he is good and his mercy, everlasting.
Blessing
We are in the hands of God, a good God, a merciful God. We try to serve him well and entrust ourselves to him. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!