The 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Sunday 12 February 2023

Today is Sunday the 12th of February, beginning the sixth week of Ordinary time.

The Monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Nos autem gloriari:


‘We should glory in nothing other than the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection; through him we are saved and set free. May God have mercy upon us and bless us, may he make his face shine upon us and be merciful to us.’

As I listen, can I feel God’s face shining on me, and open myself to that light, to that loving presence?

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Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus.


Ecclus [Sirach] 15:15-20

If you choose, you can keep the commandments,
and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
He has placed before you fire and water;
stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
Before each person are life and death,
and whichever one chooses will be given.
For great is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power and sees everything;
his eyes are on those who fear him,
and he knows every human action.
He has not commanded anyone to be wicked,
and he has not given anyone permission to sin.

Today’s reading presents us with stark choices: good or evil, life or death. Life doesn’t generally face us with such obvious choices. Temptation and freedom are often cumulative, a matter of getting into habits. What habits or choices of your own are you drawn to thinking about here?

Today’s text tells us that God sees everything and knows our every action. How does this make you feel? Is there something you feel drawn to say to God here: a question, a hope or a fear? Can you find the courage to speak honestly to the God whose wisdom is so great?

As we hear another reading of this text, notice what words strike you most. Can you let them sink deeper into your heart? How do you feel like responding?


The Bible’s Wisdom tradition invites us to reflect and respond, reminding us that we are free: the choice is entirely ours. What do you find yourself wanting to choose? Are there particular graces you need to carry your choices through into the future? Ask the God who always gives us the graces that we most stand in need of.


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.