Here in the Northern Virginia area many of our parishioners are under a considerable amount of anxiety and uncertainty due to the efforts of the current administration’s efforts on “government efficiency” (DOGE). This vale of worry affects federal sector employees, contract workers, suppliers, and professional service and consulting organizations – and it is exacerbated by poor communications, what seems like random directions, and wondering about the intentions of people “making lists.” One group of counter-cyber security people in an interdepartmental training program who had just graduated, had job assignments (and many had shipped household goods) were suddenly let go. A parishioner told me that when she calls her mom, she has found it necessary to begin each conversation with, “Mom, I still have a job.”
Certainly, in my lifetime, other regions and other sectors of the economy have faced similar layoffs, down-sizing, and “right sizing.” It strikes to the heart of the human desire for stability and certainty. It raises the specter of the question: where is God in all this?
The first reading from Sirach speaks to the heart of people of faith in such times while also striving to follow God. It reminds us that a life of faith is not free from difficulties—on the contrary, trials are to be expected. “When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.” The trails might be a head on assault on the faith, or it may be something that comes at your sideways. In either case, the opening verse sets the tone: discipleship requires endurance. Our journey with God in this life is not about avoiding suffering but embracing it with trust, knowing that trials refine us, just as fire purifies gold.
Sirach calls us to patience and steadfastness, especially when faced with adversity. How often do we struggle with impatience, wanting God to act on our timeline? Yet, the passage urges us: “Cling to him, do not leave him.” It is in remaining faithful, even when we feel abandoned, that we truly grow in trust. Our suffering, when united with Christ, becomes a path to holiness.
A key theme of this passage is trust in God’s faithfulness. Sirach asks us to look back at history: Has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? This is a powerful question. Scripture and the lives of the saints testify that those who put their hope in God are never truly abandoned. Even in suffering, God’s mercy sustains us. The passage reminds us that God is not indifferent to our struggles—He is “compassionate and merciful, forgives sins, and saves in time of trouble.”
In our own lives, this passage challenges us to examine how we respond to difficulties. Do we waver in faith when things get tough? Or do we remain steadfast, knowing that our trials can be used by God for our purification and growth? Sirach calls us to patience, trust, and endurance—virtues that allow us to see beyond present hardships to the lasting joy and mercy God has promised.
Let us renew our commitment to trust in God, no matter the trials we face. Let us find strength in the assurance that He never forsakes those who call upon Him. And may we, like the gold tested in fire, emerge purified, with hearts more fully devoted to our loving and merciful Lord. Amen.
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“My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in times of adversity. Cling to him, do not leave him, that you may prosper in your last days. Accept whatever happens to you; in periods of humiliation be patient. For in fire gold is tested, and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation. Trust in God, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, do not stray lest you fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Consider the generations long past and see: has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been ignored? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; forgives sins and saves in time of trouble.” (Sirach 2:1-11, NAB)