The Fourth Commandment

Family dynamics….I didn’t expect to find it in the Bible. But I stumbled on it. And it’s from Sirach, nonetheless, a book not read that much. But there it was: Sirach 3: Family Dynamics. Of course, it is not identified as Family Dynamics for that is a somewhat modernistic term, more for today than in the years between 200 and 175 B.C. (BEC, BC).

In Chapter 3, Sirach lists duties toward Parents and Others. He encourages children to honor their parents, listing the benefits from doing so.

I have the New Amrican Bible before me. Please join me at Sirach 3 in your Bible. The title in my Bible says: Duties toward Parents. As you read the chapter, you will see that Sirach states that he who honors his parents will have the following benefits:
atonement for his sins.
storing up riches.
blessed with children.
Is heard when he prays to the Lord
Will live a long life.

Sirach then goes on to discuss a father’s honor. He says:
He who brings comfort to his mother, obeys the Lord.
He who fears the Lord will honor his father that his blessings will fall upon you.

Sirach further admonishes: Glory not in your father’s shame for his shame is no glory to you!
A father’s honor is a man’s glory, disgrace for her children, a mother’s shame.

Then comes a mighty passage important in today’s society:
Verse 12: My son, take care of your father when he is old. Grieve him not as long as he lives. EVEN IF HIS MIND FAIL, be considerate with him. Revile him not in the fullness of your strength. Kindness to a father will not be forgotten. It will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root.

Further:
Verse 15: In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins. A blasphemer is he who despises his father, accursed of his Creator, he who angers his mother.

Reflection: There we have it! Honor our parents. Have patience for them even should they lose their cognitive skills. Care for them and God will care for us. This is in accord with God’s will. Where does this bring us? To the finale, the fourth commandment: Honor thy Father and Mother.

For some; however, who have not experienced a healthy relationship with family, this reading from Sirach could be a challenge. In this instance, try to look past the negatives of the family relationship and look to the divine love and goodness of God as the parent. God is our parent. He is our Creator. He is our Father. God loves us! Reap the benefits of honoring parents by loving God!