Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) — Chapter 36

Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of Thy mercies. The great personal prayer of Siracides for Israel: addressed to God as \"Deus omnium\" (God of all). Lapide situates this prayer historically in the period of Jewish suffering under Ptolemy Lagi and interprets it typologically as the Church's prayer for conversion of the nations.

And send Thy fear upon the nations that have not sought after Thee, that they may know that there is no God besides Thee, and that they may shew forth Thy wonders. The prayer for evangelization: God should send His fear upon the Gentiles so they may know the true God. Lapide interprets this prophetically as fulfilled in the missionary expansion of the Church through the ages.

Gather together all the tribes of Jacob, that they may know that there is no God besides Thee, and may declare Thy great works; and Thou shalt inherit them as from the beginning. The prayer for the regathering of all Israel: Lapide interprets this both historically (the return from exile) and eschatologically (the final conversion of the Jews before the End).

Every meat eateth all kinds of flesh; yet is one better than another. Practical discernment in all choices—food, friends, and especially wives. Lapide treats discernment as a universal virtue applying to all domains of practical life.

A good wife is a good portion; she shall be given in the portion of them that fear God, to a man for his good deeds. The good wife is a divine gift reserved for virtuous men, not obtained by wealth or social rank. Lapide treats the gift of a good wife as one of God's most intimate providential gifts.