today's other readings are Psalm 149 and Mark 11: 11-25
Our 1st reading is one that brings a smile to my face. For it a reading that launches into a recalling of the great deeds of many faithful people in the Old Testament. In fact, the author, Jesus ben Sirach, will recall the memories of such people as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Elijah and Elisha, amongst others, and he does so right through chapter 50!
So why do I smile? While he names many and recalls their deeds, ben Sirach also recognizes that
But of there is there is no memory; they have perished as though they never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten ...
Who remembers their righteous deeds? God. And whether or not they are remembered in the Bible, what matters is that God remembers the good things they did.
My dear reader, chances are no books or songs or movies will be created in our honour after we are gone. But God remembers all that we do - especially the good that we do. Let us continue live out our faith, day after day, and becoming famous in the eyes of God.