One of the Deuterocanonical books
POPULARITY
Categories
“Are laypeople supposed to raise their hands during the Our Father?” This question opens a discussion on the practices of the Mass, alongside inquiries about the role of saints in intercession, the meaning of almsgiving in Sirach 3:30, and how to reconcile personal distrust in the Church while seeking to return. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:58 – Are we supposed to raise our hands or hold hands during the Our Father as Mass? 15:38 – I notice people specifically ask saints to heal or protect them, not God. It’s off-putting. Can they do other things apart from interceding? 23:10 – In Sirach 3:30 it says that almsgiving atones sin. What does that mean? 24:50 – How do I reconcile my distrust for the Church? I want to return but I'm conflicted. 45:20 – I'm a Christian and a minority. How do you deal with people who tell me I should convert because their religion is better? 50:34 – I get frustrated when the choir sings and adjusts the responsorial Psalm. What would you recommend I do?
Fr. Ryan preached this homily on November 27, 2025. The readings are from Sirach 50:22-24, Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 & Luke 17:11-19. — Connect with us! Website: slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
Sirach 51: 13-17; Matthew 13: 44-52; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Fr. Patrick preached this homily on November 27, 2025. The readings are from Sirach 50:22-24, Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 & Luke 17:11-19. — Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
Sirach 45: 1-6; Matthew 19: 27-29; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
For 27 November 2025, Thanksgiving Day in the USA, based on Sirach 50:22-24
Sirach 51: 1-8, 12; Matthew 25: 1-13; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Sirach makes a major shift in emphasis in these final chapters of the book. Up to this point, he has been praising wisdom in creation. Now he will focus on praising wisdom in the redemption of wise men's lives. The final chapter is a grand finale of Sirach's own quest for wisdom as he lived out his own advice to us, his readers. Enjoy this sample from Lesson 7, "In Praise of Wise Men (Chs. 44-51)" from Dr. Nick's seven-part course, "Sirach: Fear the Lord." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish.
Send us a textJoin us as we make our way through reading the Apocrypha for the first time. Each episode will be a read and react attempt to understand the Apocrypha and what sort of Jesus we might see coming out of it.
Psalm 42 Sirach 36:1-5,10-13 Psalm 19A 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Sirach 51: 13-17; Matthew 25: 1-13; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Sirach 24: 14-16; Luke 11: 27-28; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Andy Otto reflects on Sirach 44:1–15. You can subscribe to The Contemplatio email here: bit.ly/TheContemplatio
Sirach 44, 45; Mark 11: 22-24; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Send us a textJoin us as we make our way through reading the Apocrypha for the first time. Each episode will be a read and react attempt to understand the Apocrypha and what sort of Jesus we might see coming out of it.
"Lesson 6: Practical Wisdom," is so called because of the numerous topics that Sirach gives in the section of the book on applying wisdom to various aspects of life including: trusting in God, pursuing true worship, discernment of wives and friends, showing gratitude for physicians, pursuing leisure to study the law, etc. Enjoy this sample from Lesson 6, "Practical Wisdom (Chs. 37:18—43:33)" from Dr. Nick's seven-part course, "Sirach: Fear the Lord." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish.
Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9 (There appeared an unhindered way out of the Red Sea, and they leaped like lambs.) Sirach 15:1-6 (She will feed him with the bread of understanding)
Sirach 44, 45; Luke 11: 33-36; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Sirach 31: 8-11; Luke 12: 35-40; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Send us a textJoin us as we make our way through reading the Apocrypha for the first time. Each episode will be a read and react attempt to understand the Apocrypha and what sort of Jesus we might see coming out of it.
Chapter 24 is the center of the Book of Sirach. It is the climatic poem of Wisdom praising herself in creation as she describes her eternal origins in God and favored dwelling among God's people. When she tabernacles in Jerusalem, she restores us to Paradise, the Garden of Eden through worship of God. Enjoy this sample from Lesson 5, "In Praise of Wisdom (Chs. 24:1—37:17)" from Dr. Nick's seven-part course, "Sirach: Fear the Lord." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish.
Excerpts from Sirach 44, 45; Matthew 25: 14-23; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Fr. Mike concludes the book of Sirach today and encourages us to continue the pursuit of wisdom. In our reading of 2 Maccabees, we see again the pillage of the Temple and we are re- introduced to Judas Maccabeus. Lastly, in Proverbs Fr. Mike encourages us to resist the temptation to rejoice when our enemies fall. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 5, Sirach 50-51, and Proverbs 24:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we begin to wrap up the Old Testament, Fr. Mike reflects on our reading from Sirach and what we have already learned on this journey through the Bible. He emphasizes that Scripture encourages us to rise again from our sin and return to God, because our God always picks us up again with his mercy. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 4, Sirach 47-49, and Proverbs 24:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike provides context to the God-centered perspective of 2 Maccabees and compares it to the more secular perspective provided by 1 Maccabees. He challenges us to reflect on our days with the lens of 2 Maccabees - acknowledging God's presence in each moment of our story. Additionally, Fr. Mike shares the miraculous conversion story of St. Mary of Egypt. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 3, Sirach 45-46, and Proverbs 24:10-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Ryan preached this homily on October 26, 2025. The readings are from Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 & Luke 18:9-14. — Connect with us! Website: slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
Fr. Patrick gave this talk at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis' Catholic Women's Conference. The readings are from Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 & Luke 18:9-14. — Connect with us! Website: slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
Fr. Mike discusses the story of Jeremiah and the Ark of the Covenant, offering insight on where it was hidden and how that affected the people of God. He also looks ahead to the rest of 2 Maccabees and poses a question for all of us: What will the people who love us remember about us? Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 2, Sirach 42-44, and Proverbs 24:8-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Psalm 42 Sirach 36:1-5,10-13 Psalm 19A Jeremiah 15:16 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Fr. Patrick preached this homily on October 26, 2025. The readings are from Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 & Luke 18:9-14. — Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
Mass Readings for 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 26, 2025 Reading 1, Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 Reading 2, Second Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Gospel, Luke 18:9-14
Fr. Mike gives us context for the beginning of 2 Maccabees and recounts the story of Nehemiah's discovery of the sacred fire. He also offers a reflection for those struggling with grief and death, which serves as a reminder to all about the blessing of our lives and the lives of those we love. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 1, Sirach 40-41, and Proverbs 24:1-7. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Nothing to Offer. Nothing to Prove. Nothing to Hide. When we stand before the gates of Heaven and we are asked why we should be let in...what is our answer? How would we approach Heaven? How do we approach God now? We might approach God with our resume, or as an audition, or with perfection...but we need to approach in a different way. Mass Readings from October 26, 2025: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 232 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14
As we read from Proverbs and Sirach, Fr. Mike points out how everything God has made is good, but we can use those things for evil ends. We also reach the conclusion of 1 Maccabees today. The readings are 1 Maccabees 16, Sirach 38-39, and Proverbs 23:29-35. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we begin to wrap up 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike directs our attention to how 2 Maccabees will tell the same story in a different way. In Sirach, we are encouraged to know our own hearts, so that we can know our strengths, weaknesses, and where we might need healing. The readings are 1 Maccabees 15, Sirach 36-37, and Proverbs 23:26-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike mirrors the story of 1 Maccabees and Israel's expectations of continued success onto our own lives, emphasizing that God's marvelous plan exceeds our expectations and what we think should happen next in our lives. He invites us to worship and give to the Lord with freedom and generosity in response to God's sacrificial love for us. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 14, Sirach 34-35, and Proverbs 23:22-25. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including Jesus' parable about a pharisee and a tax collector making offerings in the temple.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026.Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.Learn more at seek.focus.org-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:05.Reading 1 - Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-19, 23Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Gospel - Luke 18:9-14 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe
In our reading of 1 Maccabees today, Fr. Mike highlights the the establishment of the new independent sovereign nation of Israel in the land of Judah. We learn how Simon takes command and enforces the law all around the land. Fr. Mike reminds us that even today, Christians are governed by Jesus himself and ultimately to belong to him. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 13, Sirach 32-33, and Proverbs 23:17-21. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike focuses on the theme of disciplining children, reflected in our readings from Sirach and Proverbs today. He clarifies that there is a crucial difference between discipline and destruction, and emphasizes that disciplining children should always be grounded in love and oriented towards their success in the future. Today's readings 1 Maccabees 12, Sirach 30-31, and Proverbs 23:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we continue our journey in 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike explains that this book of the Bible is unlike others because it narrates stories and events without providing any interpretation. In Sirach, Fr. Mike stresses the teaching on the power of our words and the gravity of gossip and slander. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 11, Sirach 28-29, and Proverbs 23:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike breaks down the dramatic events from our reading of 1 Maccabees today, including; Jonathan's new role as high priest, Demetrius' defeat in battle, and King Alexander Epiphanes formidable alliance with Egypt formed by marrying Cleopatra. In Sirach, Fr. Mike reminds us that the good qualities wives are called to possess are also applicable to husbands. Today we read 1 Maccabees 10, Sirach 26-27, and Proverbs 23:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike guides us through Judas Maccabeus' last battle, his death, and his succession. We learn that part of Judas and Jonathan's victory involved fighting fellow Jews living in the land who were not living according to God's laws. Fr. Mike points out that when the enemy is in the inside, it is especially heartbreaking. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 9, Sirach 24-25, and Proverbs 23:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike contextualizes our readings from 1 Maccabees today which covers the beginning of Roman rule over the Jewish people. Additionally, he emphasizes the wisdom from Sirach about surrounding ourselves with influences that lead us closer to God and help us grow in holiness. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 8, Sirach 22-23, and Proverbs 22:26-29. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike explains the importance of wisdom in our everyday lives when we face temptations to gossip, encouraging us in the battle for virtue, wisdom, and goodness. He emphasizes that we must ask the Lord for his wisdom to guide us as we interact with the people around us, just like the Jews prayed before battle. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 7, Sirach 19-21, and Proverbs 22:22-25. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike illustrates the story of Eleazar and the abandonment of peace terms between the Jews and the Greeks. He also recognizes the pain that children and family members who don't follow the Lord can bring about, and uses wisdom from Sirach to address this prevalent struggle. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 6, Sirach 16-18, and Proverbs 22:17-21. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike walks us through the current battles of Judas Maccabeus and the Israelite people, emphasizing that while war is violent, freedom to belong to God and worship him is worth fighting for. He also discusses the importance of spending time with virtuous people to acquire their positive qualities and the need to seek good rather than evil to attain the riches of heaven. Today's readings are from 1 Maccabees 5, Sirach 13-15, and Proverbs 22:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In today's reading from 1 Maccabees, we hear about the victory of Judas Maccabeus, which is also the story of Hanukkah. In Sirach, Fr. Mike points out that chasing fame and glory in this world are not worth our time, because they will all fade away after we are gone. The readings are 1 Maccabees 4, Sirach 10-12, and Proverbs 22:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike points out how advice from books like Proverbs and Sirach may not apply perfectly to every situation, but are meant to help guide us towards wisdom. He also highlights a piece from Sirach that encourages us to avoid "deserted places"—calling us not only to stay away from sin, but to stay away from what leads us to sin. The readings are 1 Maccabees 3, Sirach 7-9, and Proverbs 22:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike clarifies the meaning behind Mattathias' zealous attack against the Greeks and his fellow Jews who were not obeying God's laws. From our reading of Sirach, Fr. Mike reminds us to remember the needs of the poor, and to be careful when forming friendships. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 2, Sirach 4-6, and Proverbs 22:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we begin reading the first book of Maccabees today, Fr. Mike highlights the severe persecution against the Jews and the desecration of the Temple led by Antiochus Epiphanes. We also begin our journey in the book of Sirach today and learn about the fear of the Lord, clinging to the Lord in trials, and the importance of honoring our parents. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 1, Sirach 1-3, and Proverbs 21:29-31. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.