Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, Ps. 144:1-4, Luke 9:18-22
“For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
Life happens in stages and seasons. There is a time and a season for everything. There is morning, then evening time. Also, there is mourning time and rejoicing time. Indeed, there is a time to plant (in tears) and a time to harvest with joy.
No matter what you are going through in life today, know that it will not last forever. If it begins to rain today, it will not rain continuously for the next hundred days; the rain will stop, and something else will take over. Whether it is good for you today or bad, it will not last forever.
When climbing a ladder, remember those you meet along the way, because you might need them on the way down. Today’s strongest and fastest men and women will become tomorrow’s elders. The tide will change. It won’t always be your turn. Be Humble.
Jesus tells his disciples today that he will be handed over to the elders and the chief priests, suffer many things, be rejected, and be killed. He is preparing their minds for a hard season. Hard times must come. Life is turn by turn. Do not laugh at someone who is down; your turn is coming. Again, do not envy anyone; your turn is coming. In St. Paul’s words: “In everything, God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Even as he informed his disciples of the painful realities ahead, Jesus was not afraid because he knew better days would follow. Jesus speaks of His death freely because He is confident in the resurrection. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24).
Do not be afraid to embrace hard times. These are moments of planting. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:5-6). It takes self-discipline (tears) to sow holiness and good habits, but the harvest is always pleasant.
No one became successful overnight; even those from wealthy families were not always successful. There were moments of sorrow, tears and sweat. It gets very dark just before dawn. If God allows suffering in your life, do not say: “God, why me?” Instead, say: “God, help me to discover the hidden blessings behind this suffering.” Don’t think about your problems too much; some are lessons. Remember, God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Let us pray: O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbour, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 25 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, Ps. 144:1-4, Luke 9:18-22)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu