The Book of Sirach helps Catholics see how to get into Heaven.
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Question 1: “How does The Book of Sirach let Catholics see how to get our immortal souls into The Eternal Joy of Heaven?”
Answer: “Sirach 35:1-12 provides a dozen verses that guide Catholics, beginning with: ‘To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity, one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases The Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement.’”
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Question 2: “The Bible is filled with soul-saving advice. Why is Sirach so important?”
Answer: “This advice rarely appears in such a short, simple form! ‘Appear not before The Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.’ Then, Sirach gives more specific directions that must be followed: ‘In a generous spirit pay homage to The Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts.’
Then, we see what many Protestants are not taught: ‘With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to The Most High as He has given to you, generously, according to your means.””
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Question 3: “Don’t Protestants know those things?”
Answer: “Rarely are Protestants given this warning: ‘For The Lord is One Who always repays, and He will give back to you sevenfold. But, offer no bribes, these He does not accept!’ “
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Question 4: Is there one teaching in Sirach that every Protestant needs to know?”
Answer: “For many Protestants, this is ‘a new idea’: ‘Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.’ Taking money from neighbors at gunpoint to pay taxes for self-serving nonsense and using that money to pay tithes to God keeps many immortal souls from understanding: ‘For He is a God of Justice, Who knows no favorites.’”
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Today’s Simple Rhyme: “Do not steal from helpless neighbors / and think God wants profits from slave labor.”
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