Podcasts about Sirach

Six Things the LORD Hates: Psalm 129-131, Proverbs 6, and Sirach 1 by Shawn Ozbun

Sirach 48: 1-14; Matthew 6: 7-15; Haydock CommentaryIf you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider making a donation or purchasing my 200+ page “5 Minute Theology” Compilation. Go to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief and click on the "Shop” tab.Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Annual Retreat for the Priests of the Diocese of Gary Mundelein Seminary Conference Center Mundelein, Illinois Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Year II June 18, 2026 Sirach 48:1-14, Ps 97, Mt 6:7-15   To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/6.18.26_Homily_1.mp3   The […] The post Relating To, And Becoming Like, Our Father, Eleventh Thursday (II), June 18, 2026 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

Sirach 44, 45; Matthew 25: 14-23; Haydock CommentaryIf you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider making a donation or purchasing my 200+ page “5 Minute Theology” Compilation. Go to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief and click on the "Shop” tab.Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

The sins of the fathers! It's a phrase you've heard a thousand times, but did you know it comes straight from the Bible? This week it's Bible versus Bible, and the topic is generational punishment: God visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and fourth generation. It's in the Ten Commandments. And the other Ten Commandments. So what did those poor great-grandkids do to deserve it? And how do you square that with a God who's "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love"? Then, is it canon? This week's contender has more names than a witness protection program: Sirach, Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus. It came closer than almost any book to making the Jewish canon, written in Hebrew around 180 BCE and translated into Greek by the author's own grandson. So why'd it get left out? The author made one fatal mistake: he was honest about who he was and when he wrote it. The guys who lied about being ancient prophets? They made the cut. ---- Follow us on the various social media places: https://www.instagram.com/dataoverdogmapod/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@data.over.dogma.pod Have you ordered Dan McClellan's New York Times bestselling book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Says So⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sirach 48:1-14 (Elijah was covered by the whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with his spirit.)

In this episode of Who's Who in the Bible, Fr. Shane Varghese, C.Ss.R., presents an insightful deep dive into the Book of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus). Fr. Shane guides viewers through the technical history of the text—from its original Hebrew roots to its rediscovery in Cairo—while exploring its profound wisdom literature themes. Key points include the author's emphasis on the fear of God, the necessity of humility, and the importance of internal moral vigilance over external pressures like Hellenism. The session highlights Sirach's beautiful personification of Wisdom, which prefigures the coming of Christ. We invite you to watch this enlightening episode to deepen your spiritual growth and understanding of this essential scriptural work as a family.

Sirach 44 & 45; Matthew 25: 14-23; Haydock CommentaryPlease 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 44: 1-15; Matthew 5: 1-12; Haydock CommentaryPlease 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

This episode explores the language and meaning behind the fullness of God dwelling in Christ (Col 1:19). Beginning by setting the verse in its context of Wisdom Christology, we turn to examine the verse's often-overlooked origins in Psalm 68:16. Finally, we look at Sirach's portrayal of God sending his wisdom to dwell in the temple, specifically by becoming incarnate in Simon the high priest. The result is a christologically-rich illustration of Jesus, the climactic embodiment of God's wisdom. To view the video version of this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/Xe7L4mbeAN4                     Visit Amazon to buy your copy of A Systematic Theology of the Early Church: https://amzn.to/47jldOc    Visit Amazon to buy your copy of Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://amzn.to/3JBflHb     Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The Son of God: Three Views of the Identity of Jesus: https://amzn.to/43DPYey    To support this podcast, donate here: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks    Episode notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bo8745lX-CHxFU-OFwUcg1lIDv9Rg6Iumu2-jdDoCZc/edit?usp=sharing    Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast        Follow on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/biblicalunitarianpodcast  Follow on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast  

Sirach 31: 8-11; Matthew 19: 27-29; Haydock CommentaryPlease 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 44 & 45; Matthew 25: 14-23; Haydock CommentaryPlease 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; Matthew 18: 1-5; Haydock CommentaryPlease 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 39: 6-14; Matthew 5: 13-19; Haydock CommentaryPlease 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 + The Great Commentary of Cornelius a Lapide 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

Patrick opens the hour by fielding faith questions: listeners wonder about friendship with Jesus, the identity of Christians, and the wisdom within Sirach. Calls move from concerns over church inclusivity banners and Catholic parish life to debates about conversion rates, interfaith reconciliation, and whether non-Christians may be saved, with perspectives clashing and aligning in unexpected ways. A conversation with a Muslim caller sparks a thoughtful comparison of Christian and Islamic beliefs about Jesus, while Catholic doctrine and lived experience thread throughout the hour. Judy - Why aren't we called the children of Jesus/God? Some say that we are His friends, but why not children? (02:24) Megan - What do you think about the book of Sirach? Is it useful? (06:29) Ben (email) – I’m seeing a lot of rainbow flags at the church’s I visit (14:51) Francisco - Jesus said that the only way to the Father is through Him. Only 25% of the world population is Christian. Will 6 billion people go to Hell? (21:46) Naser - I am a Muslim. You say that Muslims can’t be saved without believing in Jesus. Do Jews get saved? (35:50)

Job 14:1-12 Job has been confident that he would win in a court case before God but now his mood changes and he is overwhelmed by the brevity of life. Job moves from a description of his personal situation to the people in general.  14:1 Man, who is born of woman- The word man, adam, begins the verse and therefore is stressed. The phrase born of woman is only in Job in the OT. The expression includes everyone emphasizes the cycle of birth and the fragility of life and is used in Job 15:14; 25:4. It is used in the NT of John the Baptist in Matt. 11:11; Luke 7:28. Sirach 10:18is short lived and full of turmoil- The brevity of life is highlighted as in 7:6, 16; 9:25-26; 10:20. This phrase few of days is an intentional reversal of the language about being full of days in Gen. 25:8; I Chron. 29:28; Job 42:17.14:7 For there is hope for a tree,- The book of Job often appeals to agricultural illustrations. While there is hope for a tree, in 14:19 God destroys a man's hope. The word for hope is used elsewhere in Job in 4:6; 5:16; 6:8; 7:6; 8:13; 11:18, 20; 17:15, 15; 19:10; 27:8. Several these passages uttered by Job stress his hopelessness (6:8; 7:6; 17:15; 19:10).14:8 Though its roots grow old in the ground- In the ground is actually in the dust. The word for dust is used again at vs.19. Dust is often in Job associated with death (7:5; 17:16; 21:26).And its stump dies in dry soil- Tree, roots, and stump are all mentioned as this tree is thoroughly dead.  14:9 At the scent of water it will flourish- This is a strong hyperbole picturing a tree's ability to survive.[1] The word translated flourish (parach) is also used of Aaron's rod that budded in Num. 17:5, 8 or the righteous flourishing in Ps. 92:12-13.14:11 And a river becomes parched and dried up- Isa. 19:5. The verb translated parched is used of Noah's flood waters (Gen. 8:13) and the waters of the Red Sea (Ps. 106:9). The verb dried up is used in Gen.8:7, 14; Josh. 4:23, 23; 5:1. Job's friends were a dry wadi promising water but failing to deliver in 6:14-23, but this is also a general picture of human life.  14:12 So man lies down and does not rise- Job 7:9; Ps. 41:8; Ecc. 3:19-20. There are three different Hebrew words translated man in 14:10, 12. The word lies down (shakab) in Job is connected to death in 3:13; 7:21; 20:11; 21:26. While the tree cut down may spring to life once again, the man who dies will not rise from the dead. Until the heavens are no more- Ps. 72:5, 7, 17; 89:29, 35-37. Is this a statement of the permeance of man's death, once he dies he will never rise, or does this place a time limitation on the statement that man will not rise? While the Old Testament does indicate an end to the physical universe (Ps. 102:25-27; Isa. 51:6; in the Pseudepigrapha in I Enoch 45:4-5; 51:1-2), it seems to fit the context more if we take this as a statement about the permeance of death. In Deut. 11:21; Ps. 89:29, 35-37; Jer. 31:35-37 the reliability of God's promises to Israel and David are as reliable as the sun, moon, and stars. He will not awake nor be aroused out of his sleep- 7:8-10; 10:21-22. Sleep is not viewed as a temporary situation from which God will arouse man (like in I Cor. 15:6, 18. 51) but it is a permanent one (Jer. 51:39, 57). 

Psalm 42 Sirach 36:1-5,10-13 Psalm 19A Romans 10:8b-10 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 42 Sirach 36:1-5,10-13 Psalm 19A Jeremiah 11:19-20 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Sirach 45: 1-6; Matthew 1: 18-21; 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

Check out this great show from March 28, 2025 (2:41) Bible Study: Hosea 14:2-10 Father explains that the timeline of salvation history which anyone can follow! Mark 12:28-34 Father Explains the great commandments (21:36) Break 1 (24:31) Letters: Father answers a question about the timing of the exile of Israel as well as talks about the sacraments and how they are accepted by Catholics in the Protestant Church. Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (33:32) Break 2 (34:00) Word of the Day Far (39:31) Phones: Joseph - I read that the Jews in Spain were from the family of David. What do you think? Marlene - If someone stole a consecrated host for the black mass, wouldn't Jesus take himself out of the host to prevent desecration? Bill - Is the form you are using on the radio a valid Baptism? Leaving out the 'of' and 'and'? Maureen - What is the difference between Sirach and Ecclesiastes?

We avoid thinking about death until it forces its way into the room. But what happens when a husband and father is suddenly told he has ninety days to live? In this episode, John Heinen and Devin Schadt examine the striking story of former Nebraska senator Ben Sasse, who recently revealed a stage-four pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Drawing from his candid interview reflecting on that moment, they explore how the ancient Christian discipline of memento mori, remembering death, cuts through ambition, noise, and distraction to reveal what actually matters in a man's life. Sasse speaks openly about regret, fatherhood, selfishness, and the urgency of redeeming time when the clock is no longer theoretical. John and Devin unpack his reflections through the lens of the Church's tradition, from Sirach's warning to “remember your last end” to the teaching of saints like Jerome, Augustine, and Alphonsus Liguori, while confronting the questions most men quietly push aside: what would change if you truly believed your days were numbered?

Psalm 42 Sirach 36:1-5,10-13 Psalm 19A Exodus 19:4-6a Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Deuteronomy 26: 12-19; Deteronomy 11: 22-25; 2 Machabees 1: 23-27; Sirach 36: 1-10; Daniel 3: 47-51; Daniel 3: 52-56; 1 Thessalonians 5: 14-23; Matthew 17: 1-9; 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

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 February 15, 2026. The readings are from Sirach 15:15-20, Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:17-37 Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube:: / @slakingthirsts

Mass Readings for Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 15, 2026 Reading 1, Sirach 15:15-20 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34 Reading 2, First Corinthians 2:6-10 Gospel, Matthew 5:17-37

Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus didn't give us a new weight to carry, but a new way to carry the weight. We all have things that we NEED to do. When we show up knowing that we are doing what God has asked, there is the necessity to also do what God has asked us to do the WAY God has asked us to do it…with love. Mass Readings from February 15, 2026: Sirach 15:15-20 Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-341 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37

JD Flynn and Kate Olivera talk about the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Special appearance by Dr. Scott Powell.This episode is brought to you by the Institute for Liturgical Formation at Christendom College Graduate School of Theology.This summer, consider spending four weeks immersed in reverent liturgy and rigorous academics at the Institute for Liturgical Formation.To learn more, visit christendom.edu/liturgyAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 8:20.Reading 1 - Sirach 15: 15-20Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10Gospel - Matthew 5: 17-37 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

Read OnlineWhen Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:1–3The Beatitudes call us to the heights of morality and holiness. Those who live according to these divine precepts are blessed beyond measure. The promises to those who live this high calling are great: They become children of God and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Furthermore, they receive comfort, satisfaction, mercy, purity, and peace. Though the rewards are great, so are the requirements: spiritual poverty, holy sorrow, meekness, longing for righteousness, a merciful heart, purity, peacemaking, and patient endurance during persecution.The Beatitudes reveal the culmination of God's moral teaching and the highest revelation of the Christian life. To fully appreciate their significance, it is helpful to understand the history of moral revelation. Doing so is more than a history lesson on God's deepening revelation, it also reveals the path for our spiritual journey toward perfection.Morality begins with the Natural Law—the innate understanding of right and wrong written on the human heart. This Law is from God and is often described as living in accord with right reason or common sense. All people have access to this moral law within their own consciences, enabling them to recognize God as the Creator, honor Him, respect human dignity and the common good, and refrain from acts such as murder, theft, and deception. Though universally present in all people, sin and our fallen human nature cloud our ability to clearly see and follow that law.In the Old Testament, God slowly revealed Himself and called His people to greater holiness and moral living by adding to the Natural Law through revelation. From Abraham and his descendants, God raised up Moses through whom He revealed the Ten Commandments—a concise moral code rooted in Natural Law but explicitly revealed by God that called His chosen people to right worship, justice, and love for one's neighbor.Through the prophets—such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel—God called Israel to move beyond mere external observance of the law to an interior conversion of heart. Isaiah emphasized the virtues of justice and mercy, Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant in which God's law would be written on the hearts of His people, and Ezekiel promised that God would give His people a new heart and a new spirit, enabling them to follow His statutes.The wisdom literature—Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom, Sirach—deepened the understanding of moral life by revealing moral gifts, such as the Fear of the Lord, the blessedness of righteousness, and the call to trust in God's providence and live a virtuous life.The Beatitudes elevate all laws of the Old Covenant. Jesus not only calls us to profound holiness, He also provides the means to achieve it through His Sacrifice, transmitted through the grace of the Sacraments. To live the Beatitudes is to live in imitation of Christ, who perfectly embodied all virtues in His life, Passion, and Resurrection. Hence, the Beatitudes are not only a moral code we must follow, they are a participation in and union with the Son of God, Who lived the Beatitudes to perfection.As we ponder the Beatitudes, reflect today on their high and glorious calling, as well as their rewards. Sometimes, reading the Beatitudes can leave us discouraged, as we are aware of how far we are away from perfecting them. Dispel discouragement and know that these new divine precepts are attainable by grace. Set your eyes on the heights of perfection and open yourself to the abundant grace offered. Doing so will not only result in glorious spiritual rewards in this life, it will also result in the greatest eternal rewards in Heaven.Lord of perfection, You lived the Beatitudes to the fullest during Your life on earth and continue to manifest those perfections from Heaven. Please open my heart to Your grace and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may answer the call to the new and glorious moral state to which I am called. Empower me to live fully immersed in and guided by Your Sacrificial Love. Help me to inspire others to embrace this path of holiness, so that we may journey together toward the eternal joy of Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You!  Image: Église Saint-Martin de Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Homily from the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph The "trad family" goes back farther than the 1950's... Men and women need to be authentically masculine and feminine for their marriages and families to thrive. But what IS authentic masculinity? What IS authentic femininity? Mass Readings from December 28, 2025: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.