“In praise of our ancestors”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Thursday, November 3, 2022

Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15 (Forward, p. 5) RSV p. xxx

This hymn of praise lauds our ancestors of the faith but chooses to pick up on some aspects of these persons’ lives that we might not always single out. Our author mentions their power and their majesty, but then quickly moves on to speak of their wisdom and leadership:

“There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and proclaiming prophecies; leaders of the people in their deliberations and in understanding of learning for the people, wise in their words of instruction” (verses 3-4).

In a way, this is rather curious, perhaps even unusual, for today’s political leaders are extolled for their ability ‘to get things done’, to work out compromises and ‘deals’ with opposing factions and interest groups and get legislation passed. Seldom is the idea of disinterested, objective, non-partisan wisdom brought into the picture. Sometimes, it almost seems as if wisdom has become irrelevant to the decision-making process. And certainly, we seldom see our leaders taking the time to lead us in our deliberations and help us understand the bigger picture—except, that is, to ‘buy into’ whatever they are presently espousing. And, here, if you look carefully at today’s passage, there is even a spiritual aspect to this where Sirach mentions that they ‘proclaimed prophecies’. Today, on our political world, that would be counted almost totally abhorrent, as something of a total no-no in terms of the political discourse or scene. Anyway, these are a few of the things that our author specifically praises.

However, these are only the exemplary ones, the people of note, so what about the rest? Toward the end of today’s hymn of praise, our author mentions something that could easily ‘stick in the craw’ of many of us. He mentions those that died with no lasting memorial, no earthly tribute. We could easily say therefore, “It is fine and good to remember and celebrate the famous people, the people of great gifts and achievements, but what about ordinary, run-of-the-mile people, people like you and I?” Well, Sirach says that these people are likewise remembered, by their children and descendants. Indeed, he says, their glory and their contributions will live on, long after they are gone. And isn’t that exactly how things are with us and our Lord? Each of us, and our contributions, is known and celebrated by God, even if totally unknown or recognized by anyone else. And isn’t that great! Amen.