Daily Readings - Fri Sep 23 2022
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, the balance of life, and the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. The first reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is composed of opposing yet complementary seasons: birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing. The author emphasizes that God has made all things beautiful in their time, but humanity’s limited understanding often leads to frustration. This passage encourages us to embrace the rhythms of life, trusting that God’s plan unfolds in its own time.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. While the crowds speculate about his identity, Jesus asks his disciples directly, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s confession, “The Christ of God,” marks a turning point. Jesus then reveals the cost of his mission: suffering, rejection, and death, followed by resurrection. This passage underscores the necessity of faith in the face of uncertainty and the transformative power of self-giving love.
Together, these readings remind us that life is not without its challenges, but these challenges are part of a larger plan. Like Peter, we are called to confess Jesus as the center of our lives, even when the road ahead seems difficult. May we trust in God’s timing, embrace the seasons of life with faith, and follow Jesus’ example of love and surrender. In doing so, we find meaning, purpose, and hope in the midst of life’s joys and sorrows.