Today’s first reading is from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every thing under the heavens.” If you’re a baby boomer like me, you can’t read that Scripture without hearing “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds in your head. Not a bad ear worm to have! In the Gospel from Luke 9, we see Luke’s version of Peter’s great confession of faith.
God has a plan. We all know that, right? But sometimes we may question God’s timing. Why did He have to take my child at such a young age? Why did I lose my job? Why (fill in the blank)? At the time that things are happening, we often can’t see the bigger picture. But we should always keep in mind the old adage, "This, too, shall pass."
I think this is what the writer of Ecclesiastes had in mind. There is a season for everything - both blessings and challenges. And that is the wisdom of God. If we were happy and well fed all the time, we would start to take the blessings for granted. We would no longer appreciate them. But when God sends those tough seasons of drought and storms, we come to a greater appreciation of those blessed times. And when we’re in a season of winter, we can rest assured that spring is right around the corner.
Father, we thank you for sending us different seasons in our lives. May we embrace each of them, whether they’re filled with lessons or blessin’s. Amen.
With Christmas just three months away, now is the time to contact your pastor about giving away copies of A Minute in the Church as a Christmas gift to the faithful. Order today at www.GusLloyd.com.
Thanks for simplifying this Gus. I spent the last hour or so reading explanations by different scholars who left my head spinning (i.e., why Qoheleth was probably Solomon to why he was not Solomon!)
God has a plan – and only He knows what it is. We just need to trust in Him and that He knows what He is doing.
Amen and God bless!