Readings: Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8, Ps. 90:3-6,12-14,17, Luke 9:43-45
“The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7-8)
Today, the author of Ecclesiastes tells us, “Remember your creator while you are still young,” meaning you will not remain young for long. Life is in stages, but then it moves very fast.
The worst mistake anyone can make is assuming that there is time. Even today, I still encounter many youths who engage in immoral activities, thinking they have all the time to repent later. No one is guaranteed time, as we do not know when we shall die.
Secondly, even if you have time, do not forget that bad habits do not die easily. Are you still young? This is the time to draw close to God. How you make your bed determines how you lie on it. The morning shows the day. The seeds you plant at a young age determine the crops you harvest at an old age.
Never let down your guard in the name of “enjoying life.” Without God in the picture, there is nothing like enjoyment. That is only beating around the bush. St. Augustine says, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” If we ignore God in a bid to have fun, we only land ourselves in pain, sorrow and regret.
In our Gospel passage, we see that Jesus is not carried away by those singing his praises. He knows that these same people who are speaking well of him will eventually be the ones to shout, “Crucify him, Crucify him.” Jesus told his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men” (Luke 9:44).
Dear youths, don’t be carried away by your facial beauty or energy. Don’t become proud because people are praising you now. You will not remain like this forever. Be Wise.
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. (Saturday of week 25 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8, Ps. 90:3-6,12-14,17, Luke 9:43-45)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu