Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 27, 2024

Date: Memorial of St. Vincent De Paul

Scripture Text:  Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

There is an appointed time for everything,

and a time for everything under the heavens.

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;

a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time of peace.

What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task that God has appointedfor the sons of men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today from Ecclesiastes reminds us that the LORD is LORD of time.  The LORD determines the “time” for every human activity. We do not understand fully the LORD’s reasons during our lifetime, but we trust in the LORD’s love for us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize the LORD in all my moments? Do I seek the LORD’s will for me in every moment?

Praying:

LORD, You are the source of all goodness and life, creator of all. You are all-present and all-loving, everywhere and always. Help us to look for You for in our moments, to search for your will for us. Grant that we may be your loving daughters and sons and that our lives will bring You glory. Amen