The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 2:10 Коментар

“Listen, O God, to my prayer, while I am troubled; from fear of the enemy deliver my soul.” Enemies have raged against the martyrs. For what was that voice of Christ’s body praying? It was praying for this: to be delivered from enemies and praying that enemies might not have power to kill them. Were they not therefore listened to because they were killed, and has God forsaken his servants who have contrite hearts and despised those who hope in him? Certainly not. For “who has called on God and been forsaken; who has hoped in him and been deserted by him?” Therefore, they were heard, and they were killed—and yet, they were delivered from their enemies. Others who were afraid gave in and lived, and yet these same people were swallowed up by their enemies. The slain were delivered, the living were swallowed up. This is what that recognizable voice of the psalmist is referring to when it says, “Perhaps they would have devoured us alive.” Many, in fact, were devoured alive, but many others were devoured dead. The ones who considered Christianity as foolish were already dead, in fact, by the time they came to devour them.

“And God conceded to Daniel to find compassion and mercy in the presence of the chief eunuch.” Divine providence is, in fact, a consequence of our free will. Thus, as soon as I choose the divine will, I will enjoy divine help. The same thing also happened in the life of Joseph, as it is said, “But the Lord was with Joseph. He was a successful man, and the Lord poured mercy on him, and he found favor in the eyes of the jailer.” And thus it is also taught in this case that God never abandons or neglects even one of those who confide in him. For this reason also another prophet cries out: “Consider the past generations, and reflect: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?”

Know that God is working in you both to will and to do, according to a good will. Therefore, attend to your salvation with fear and trembling. Humble yourself before the Lord so that he may exalt you. Ask him for the beginning of a good will, seek from him the effects of good works, ask him for the gift of perseverance. Do not believe that when his support has stopped you can want or do anything good. Ask him to turn your eyes somewhere else so that they do not see vanity; beseech him to show you the way you should go, pray, so that he may direct your steps according to his Word and so that you will not be dominated by sins; call on him so that he can direct the work of your hands for you. Therefore, “be strong and take heart.” “Entrust your concerns to the Lord, and he will provide for them.”As he told you, you must not ascribe anything to your own strength, for you must not distrust divine power and devotion in anything. For, “The Lord is faithful in his words and holy in all his works.” He will not deny you his help in this world, nor will he withhold your reward in that life which is to come. He has shown you the right way and is himself the guide that will lead you to your heavenly home. “Trust, therefore, in the Lord, and do good.” Do not believe you will fail if he has agreed to have you under his protection. It is indeed written, “Has anyone trusted in the Lord and been put to shame? Or, has anyone persevered in the Lord and been abandoned? Or, has anyone called upon him and been neglected by him?” Therefore, do not lose your confidence which will have a great reward. Be strong and steadfast, knowing that your work shall not prove fruitless in the Lord.