Daily Readings - Sat Sep 28 2024
Ecclesiastes
9So then, rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart remain in what is good during the days of your youth. And walk in the ways of your heart, and with the perception of your eyes. And know that, concerning all these things, God will bring you to judgment10Remove anger from your heart, and set aside evil from your flesh. For youth and pleasure are empty
1Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the time of affliction arrives and the years draw near, about which you will say, "These do not please me.2Before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain3when the guardians of the house will tremble, and the strongest men will waver, and those who grind grain will be idle, except for a small number, and those who look through the keyholes will be darkened4And they will close the doors to the street, when the voice of he who grinds the grain will be humbled, and they will be disturbed at the sound of a flying thing, and all the daughters of song shall become deaf5Likewise, they will fear the things above them, and they will dread the way. The almond tree will flourish; the locust will be fattened; and the caper plant will be scattered, because man shall go into the house of his eternity, and the mourners shall wander around in the street6Before the silver cord is broken, and the golden band pulls away, and the pitcher is crushed over the fountain, and the wheel is broken above the cistern7and the dust returns to its earth, from which it was, and the spirit returns to God, who granted it8Vanity of vanities, said Ecclesiastes, and all is vanity
Luke
43And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and he healed the boy, and he restored him to his father44And all were astonished at the greatness of God. And as everyone was wondering over all that he was doing, he said to his disciples: "You must set these words in your hearts. For it shall be that the Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men.45But they did not understand this word, and it was concealed from them, so that they did not perceive it. And they were afraid to question him about this word
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on life and faith. The first reading from Ecclesiastes invites us to embrace the joys of youth while remembering the transient nature of life. It urges us to live virtuously, acknowledging that everything is vanity and that our time is short. This wisdom literature reminds us to cherish each moment and stay connected to our Creator.
The Gospel from Luke presents a scene where Jesus heals a boy, showcasing his divine power, and then foretells his own suffering. The disciples, however, fail to understand this prophecy, highlighting their journey from confusion to eventual comprehension. This passage is part of Luke's narrative as Jesus moves towards Jerusalem, emphasizing his mission and the disciples' growth in faith.
Both readings connect through the theme of trusting God amidst uncertainty. Ecclesiastes teaches us to appreciate life's fleeting nature and remain faithful, while Luke shows Jesus's trust in God's plan despite the disciples' confusion. Together, they remind us to live with gratitude and faith, trusting in God's providence even when the future is unclear.
In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by embracing life's joys, staying faithful, and trusting God's plan, even when it's not fully understood. The moral lesson is clear: live with gratitude and faith, trusting in God's providence as we navigate life's uncertainties.