Medical researches are advancing to enhance and extend the lives of human beings. The secret for longevity is shared by the wisdom of Sirach in today's verse that honouring the father and refreshing the mother is the assured way. Moses received this secret as a command that was written by the hands of God Himself for the Israelites, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Exodus 20:12). Note it is a conditional blessing: if condition is fulfilled blessing proceeds. Parents yearn and long that children may keep them as highlighted in the Book of Tobit. Tobit (father) advised Tobias, “My son, when I die, give me a proper burial. And after I’m gone, show respect to your mother. Take care of her for the rest of her life, and when she dies, bury her beside me. Remember, she risked her life to bring you into this world, so try to make her happy and never do anything that would worry her.” (Tobit 4:3-4). Christ also remembered this duty and hence dispensed it to His beloved John, "‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26-27). Let's do our duties toward parents and enjoy the guaranteed long life.

Abba, we thank you for our parents. Let your Spirit guide us to fulfil the duties toward them. Amen.