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Ordinary Time · Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year C

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-19a

The Prayer of the Lowly Pierces the Clouds

October 29, 2028

O Óbolo da Viúva (The Widow's Mite), João Zeferino da Costa
O Óbolo da Viúva (The Widow's Mite), João Zeferino da Costa, 1876(artist died 1915)
A Brazilian academic painting of the temple treasury, with the rich making their offerings and a woman in black putting in two coins.Give to the Most High as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford. The reading is about what counts as a gift.(artist died 1915)No holding institution is recorded with the image; it is known from the public domain reproduction.(artist died 1915)
Roman Lectionary
GospelLuke 18:9-14Lk 18:9-14
Second Reading2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-182 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
First ReadingSir. 35:12-14, 16-19aSir 35:12-14, 16-19a
Responsorial PsalmPs. 34:2-3, 17-18, 19+23 (7a)Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19+23 (7a)

Overview & Insights

"The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds" (Sirach 35:17).

Sirach teaches that God shows no favoritism to the rich and hears the prayer of the wronged, the orphan and the widow without partiality. The prayer of the humble person is pictured as rising straight through the clouds to reach God, who will not rest until justice is done, setting up this Sunday's parable of the humble tax collector.

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Take it further: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-19a

Commentary

Sirach 35 (Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary)Sir 35 (Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary) StudyLight

A verse-by-verse Catholic commentary written specifically for this deuterocanonical book.

Commentary on Sirach 35:12-17Commentary on Sir 35:12-17 Working Preacher

A pastoral reading of God's impartial justice toward the poor and wronged.

Sirach 35:17, Catholic Bible TextSir 35:17, Catholic Bible Text BibleHub

The verse in the Catholic canon's own translation, for quick reference.

Background & Word Study

Sirach 35 in Hebrew and EnglishSir 35 in Hebrew and English Sefaria

Read the passage against the surviving Hebrew fragments of Ben Sira alongside an English translation.

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