Daily Readings - Fri Sep 25 2020
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 encounter two profound reflections that guide us in understanding the mysteries of life and faith. The first reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is a series of seasons, each with its appointed time. It speaks of the natural order of birth and death, planting and harvesting, and the balance between joy and sorrow. This passage invites us to embrace the rhythm of life, trusting that God's timing is perfect, even when we cannot fully comprehend it.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus. Here, Jesus asks his disciples about his identity, and Peter confesses him as the Christ. Jesus then reveals the necessity of his suffering, death, and resurrection. This passage underscores the central mystery of our faith: that through apparent defeat and darkness, God brings about redemption and life.
These readings connect in their emphasis on trust and faith in God's plan. Ecclesiastes teaches us to accept the seasons of life with patience and trust, while Luke shows us that even in the face of suffering, God's plan unfolds for our salvation. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace both the joys and the challenges, knowing that they are part of a larger divine design. Let us learn to trust in God's timing and to see His hand at work, even in the most difficult moments.