Tuesday 25 May 2021

Today is Tuesday the 25 May, in the Eighth week of Ordinary Time.  

The choir of Holy Sepulchre London, directed by Peter Asprey, sings, ‘Present Yourselves As A Living Sacrifice’, by James O’Donnell.  

Today’s reading is from the Book of Ecclesiasticus.  

Ecclesiasticus 35:1-12

One who keeps the law makes many offerings; 
   one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being. 
One who returns a kindness offers choice flour, 
   and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank-offering. 
To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,
   and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement. 
Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, 
   for all that you offer is in fulfilment of the commandment. 
The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,
   and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High. 
The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,
   and it will never be forgotten. 
Be generous when you worship the Lord,
   and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. 
With every gift show a cheerful face,
   and dedicate your tithe with gladness. 
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
   and as generously as you can afford.   

The Book of Ecclesiasticus offers little packages of information, which give different glimpses of God. “One who returns a kindness offers choice flour” What offering can we make to God through acts of service to His people? Is it a false distinction to distinguish between worship of God and service to our neighbour?  

All things come from God and of his own do we offer Him: everything we have has been given to us by God. What does ‘giving everything to God’ suggest to you in your own life? Are there areas of your life which are more difficult to surrender to God, and if so why?  

‘Be generous when you worship the Lord, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands’ – you were made to give praise to God.  As you listen to the reading again, still yourself and think on the wonderful things God has done in your life and worship Him!  

Today, ask God to help you surrender completely to Him and respond with the same generosity that He has already shown to you.  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.