Daily Readings - Fri Sep 28 2018
Ecclesiastes
1All things have their time, and all things under heaven continue during their interval2A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pull up what was planted3A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to tear down, and a time to build up4A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to dance5A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces6A time to gain, and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away7A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to be silent, and a time to speak8A time of love, and a time of hatred. A time of war, and a time of peace9What more does a man have from his labor10I have seen the affliction that God has given to the sons of men, in order that they may be occupied by it11He has made all things good in their time, and he has handed over the world to their disputes, so that man may not discover the work which God made from the beginning, even until the end
Luke
18And it happened that, when he was praying alone, his disciples also were with him, and he questioned them, saying: "Who do the multitudes say that I am?19But they answered by saying: "John the Baptist. But some say Elijah. Yet truly, others say that one of the prophets from before has risen again.20Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" In response, Simon Peter said, "The Christ of God.21But speaking sharply to them, he instructed them not to tell this to anyone22saying, "For the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the leaders of the priests and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day rise again.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of time, purpose, and the mystery of God’s plan. The first reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is filled with seasons—times of birth and death, planting and uprooting, joy and sorrow. The author suggests that while we may not fully understand the meaning of all things, we can trust that God has ordered them well. This wisdom encourages us to embrace the present moment, whatever it may bring, and to find balance in the midst of life’s contradictions.
The Gospel reading from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus, who reveals the ultimate purpose of his mission. When Jesus asks his disciples who they believe he is, Peter’s confession—“The Christ of God”—marks a turning point. Yet Jesus quickly adds that his identity as the Messiah is inseparable from his suffering, rejection, and resurrection. This passage reminds us that following Christ is not about seeking glory or comfort but about embracing the cross. Just as Jesus accepted his season of suffering for the sake of redemption, we too are called to trust in God’s timing and to find meaning in the challenges we face.
These readings invite us to live with faith and hope. Ecclesiastes teaches us to trust in God’s plan, even when we cannot see the full picture. Luke’s Gospel calls us to embrace our own crosses, knowing that they are part of a larger story of love and salvation. In our daily lives, let us seek to discern God’s timing, to embrace both the joyful and the difficult seasons, and to follow Christ with courage and humility. May we find strength in the knowledge that all things are in God’s hands, and may we live with purpose, trusting that his plan is always for our good.