Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul (1580-1660). He was the founder of the Congregation of Mission. He was able to put the teachings of Matthew 25:35-36 into action. His work for the poor, the sick and convicted prisoners earned him sainthood from the church.
We read the book of Ecclesiastes for the last day. Therefore, we are reading her last two chapters. In chapter 3 which we read yesterday, we learn that the author offers the following advice.
also that it is God's gift to man that every one should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil (Ecclesiastes 3:13).
This is one of the major themes of Ecclesiastes. Enjoy life. Enjoy work. In chapter 11, he offers more advice to handle uncertainties in life.
There are many unknowns in life. There are also many things which we don't know now and never.
As you do not know how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything (Ecclesiastes 11:5).
Shall we worry about these unknowns? No. Instead, the author offers some very practicable advice.
Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what evil may happen on earth (Ecclesiastes 11:2).
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good (Ecclesiastes 11:6).
For if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many.
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:8-9).
Yes, enjoy work, enjoy life and buy insurance. But while you are enjoying your work/life, always bear in mind that God will pass judgment on you. He also remind us to stay awake in our enjoyment. There are days of darkness just around the corner.
To me, Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 is a riddle, a puzzle. The author employs popular images to describe aging. The sun, the lights, the moon and the stars are darkened. The keepers of the house tremble. The strong men are bent. The few remaining grinders cease. Those that look through windows are dimmed. The doors are shut. Daughters of song are brought low. The almond tree blossoms. The grasshopper drags itself along and desire fails. All these failures are failures of the aging human body. This is an interesting piece of Jewish literature, telling us how they experience and articulate their repressed desires. So young men, enjoy your youth because once aging sets in, you will not be able to find pleasure in any other things. His last piece of advice:
Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13b).
So, while you are enjoying your life, enjoying your work, keep God's commandments!
My dear Advocate, grant us chances to learn more from the book of Ecclesiastes. Without Your blessings, we are nothing. Without Your faithfulness, we will not accomplish anything. Be gracious to us and remember us. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment