Day 289: Wise Influences

1 Maccabees 8:1-32 Seeking political independence as a way of guaranteeing religious freedom, Judas allied with Rome. The Romans would help Israel defeat Syria, but the treaty would leave them under the domination of Rome. Israel had previously been warned against forming treaties with pagan nations.


Sirach 22:1-27 An important part of seeking wisdom for decisions or the best course of action involves consulting those who have been proven wise. These verses encourage the cultivation and preservation of friendships. Elements that assist in good relationships are prudent speech and sound moral behavior. (CCC 1835)


Ch 22:8 Other ancient authorities add verses 9 & 10: “Children who are brought up in a good life, conceal the lowly birth of their parents. Children who are disdainfully and boorishly haughty stain the nobility of their kindred.”


Ch 23:1-6 The author reeks into prayer beginning with the last verse of the previous chapter. With an ardent desire to grow in wisdom, he prays for the Cardinal Virtues of prudence, fortitude, justice, and temperance. These virtues bring about dominion over the passions and cultivate good will in dealing with others.


Ch 23:7-15 Cursing, swearing, and profanity can take many forms. Sometimes it is the use of the Lord’s name in vain or an oath or vow that is made flippantly, without sincere forethought. Each of these abuses of reference to God’s name constitutes offenses against the Second Commandment. Even without vain or blasphemous reference to God, impolite, vulgar, or obscene words could be sinful if they offend another person’s dignity. (CCC 2150-2155, 2521-2524, 2533)


Ch 23:16-27 Sins of impurity cloud the mind and weaken the will against temptation. Though many may believe the contrary, absolutely nothing is hidden from God. Habitual consent to inordinate passions brings sadness and emptiness in its wake, while virtuous fidelity to the Commandments brings lasting fulfillment and joy. (CCC 2380-2381, 2388-2391)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)


(*Walking With God: A Journey Through The Bible by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins)



Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven we give you praise and thank you. Thank you for this day and for this reading today. My gosh, Lord God, we ask that you please guide us in all of our decisions so that we can do what is right, we know what is right, and we can do and accomplish your will in all things. We give you praise this day. Please, in the name of Jesus, receive our thanks. Receive our praise. And receive us as yours. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”