Do you desire to serve God? Prepare yourself well.

Preparation is the Secret of success in life. 

"My son, when you come to serve the Lord, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials.

"Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity.

"Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;

thus will you be wise in all your ways.

"Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient;

For in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

"Trust God and God will help you; trust in him, and he will direct your way; keep his fear and grow old therein.

"You who fear the LORD," wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall.

You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost.

You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.

You who fear the LORD, love him, and your hearts will be enlightened.

"Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?

Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?  

Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?

Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;

he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth." (Sirach 2: 1 - 11).

Tuesday February 21st in the 7th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Damian (1001 - 1072). Italian. Benedictine monk. Bishop and Doctor of the Church.  The monk-Cardinal whose life we celebrate today is a Reformer in the make of the great reformers of the Church:  Saints Francis of Assisi, Dominic, Ignatius Loyola, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, etc. . Damian  urged his fellow clergy to live upright lives. Many clergy at all levels were at that time living sordid lives. But Peter pursued reforms with the heart of a pastor.

Our first Reading from Sirach 2: 1 - 11 is the crème de la crème of the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament. 

The message of the passage is simple:

The Key to Success in any walk of life, in any endeavor is Preparation, Preparation and Preparation. 

This message is so relevant now because tomorrow, February 22nd, Lent 2023 commences. Jesus spent 40 Days in the Wilderness to prepare for His ministry. By the great Providence of God, the Church instituted the Season of Lent as a Preparation time for her children on the journey to eternal life. Our Scripture today from Sirach teaches us everything we need for a good preparation. 

"Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?" 

As a man who likes history, my answer to the above question is: No one has ever been disappointed who placed his hope in God. In every transition, every change in life, God will be there and He remains faithful. 

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com