Sirach 3

Great blessings are promised to us for honoring our parents, for we are instructed to treat them with reverence, seeking to please them through our words and actions, as long as it does not conflict with our devotion to God.

I would like to share about a type of authority rooted not in sin, but in the very fabric of creation itself. What kind of authority is this? It is the authority of parents over their children. This respect emerges from the very essence of our existence. Thus, the wise teacher states, "As unto the lords, he shall serve them that begat him"; then he adds the reasoning, "What canst thou render unto them as they have rendered unto thee?" (Sir 7:30). Yet, what can a son truly give in return to his father? The answer is clear: just as they gave you life, you cannot give them life in return. Therefore, while we may be inferior to them in this regard, we can surpass them through honor—both in accordance with the natural order and chiefly by recognizing the sovereignty of God. It is God's divine will that parents receive honor from their children, and those who comply with this command are showered with abundant blessings, while those who disregard it face severe consequences. "Whosoever shall speak evil of his father, or of his mother, shall be put to death" (Exodus 21:17). In contrast, the commandment instructs us to "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days on earth may be prolonged" (Ex. 20:12). The ultimate good— a serene old age and longevity— is the reward designated for those who show them honor, whereas an early demise is regarded as a punishment for those who disrespect them. Some are compelled to love through the command to honor their parents, while others, despite their wishes, are deterred from wrongdoing by the fear of retribution. It is not merely commanded that the son who has wronged his parents should be put to death; indeed, he is taken by his father, who brings him before the community and proclaims the charge against him. This is entirely just, for the father who is willing to sacrifice everything for his son is not easily made an accuser unless the transgression is indeed severe. So the father presents the case publicly, and calls upon the people to act, urging each one to throw a stone at the offender, thus compelling them not only to witness but to engage in the retribution, so each would reflect on their own actions and responsibility. The lawgiver not only emphasizes participation in punishment but also illustrates that offending one’s parents is an affront to all society. Consequently, he encourages community involvement, suggesting that everyone should feel the outrage against someone who disrespects their parents, for the offense extends to humanity as a whole and such a person should be expelled from society, akin to a disease. Such an individual becomes a shared adversary—an enemy of God, nature, laws, and the well-being of everyone. Therefore, it is mandated that all join in the act of punishment, essentially cleansing the community. May abundant blessings be upon you for embracing the teaching on respect for parents, and instead of stones, you have responded with applause—this demonstrates your deep reverence for your fathers. Often, we commend laws punishing wrongdoers while remaining oblivious to our own failings. For all this, we should extend our gratitude to God, who looks after our lives, our parents, and our children, arranging all things for our salvation. To Him be glory, honor, and worship, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, who is eternal, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.