25 May 2021

Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
and as generously as you can afford.
For the Lord is the one who repays,
and he will repay you sevenfold.

The author of Ecclesiasticus speaks of the offerings and sacrifices that were traditionally made under the Jewish Law. This practice had been strongly criticised by several of the prophets who saw the contradiction between the giving of sacrifices by people who neglected to care for the poor and those who needed their help. Ben Sira (the author) does not criticise the hypocrisy that often accompanied these rituals, but rather stresses that those who make sacrifices should do so wholeheartedly, generously and cheerfully. He says that those making sacrifices should be virtuous men who would not only make sacrifices at the altar but also give alms and act justly – only then would their sacrifice be worthy.

• • How do you think this advice would have been received?
  • Does Ben Sira’s advice still have relevance?

Reflect on your own practice of giving to others.