Daily Readings - Sat Sep 28 2024
Ecclesiastes
9Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.10So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
1Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-2before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;3when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;4when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;5when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags himself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets.6Remember him-before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well,7and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.8"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!"
Luke
43And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.44While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men."45But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
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.