Sirach shared what it meant to be faithful to the Lord. Be prepared for trials. There would be testing but it was necessary to remain faithful even during a time of suffering. In our present time we can certainly learn from this advice - to be steadfast, to cling to God, to be patient even when humiliated. When we follow this way of living, God promises to be with us. When we trust in God, He will help us. That does not mean that we will be prosperous financially, but we will prosper spiritually if we stay close to God. Those who place their trust in God will never be disappointed.

Not wanting people to know the route He takes, Jesus seems prepared to avoid unnecessary crowding fame. Along the journey, Jesus was teaching His disciples and for the second time Jesus predicted His passion. And yet, the disciples didn't seem to understand. Jesus must have felt so alone. Rather than hearing what Jesus was sharing, the disciples were concerned about who was the greatest among them. Perhaps, they were deciding who would replace Jesus after He had gone. To answer their unspoken question, Jesus took a little child who in the society of that day had no importance; He then elevated him by saying that to welcome a child is to welcome Jesus and to welcome Jesus, welcomes God the Father. The greatest is the one who is willing to serve others.