The readings today seem a bit gloomy. Qoheleth, the writer of Ecclesiastes, warns one of his youthful acquaintances about the inevitability of death. The message one might take from the First Reading (Ecclesiastes 1: 2-11) is one should live it up while young because as old age comes, death is sure to follow. The imagery is that of everything wearing out and failing. Qoheleth concludes his book with the same verse with which he began: “Vanity of vanities, … all things are vanity!”
The psalm (Psalm 90) reminds us that bodies of mortals will inevitably return to the dust from which they were made. Even so, the psalmist reminds us that in every age, God has been our refuge. After reminding the listener that mortals will someday return to the earth, there is a prayer that God would guide the faithful ones in living their lives in a way that follows God’s plan. The selection ends with the words, “Give success to the work of our hands!”
The short Gospel pericope (Luke 9:7-9) tells us that after John the Baptist‘s death, Herod starts to hear another Name. This new person is doing even greater things than John the Baptist had done. The only reason we know Herod’s name today is because of this new person who comes on the scene: Jesus.
These readings reminded me of a time a few years ago when I was challenged by what was happening in the lives of people around me. I remembered reflecting upon the death of one young person and the results of an accident of another friend, who survived a car crash, but with life-changing injuries. Before the crash, it was so easy to think that life would continue as it always had been. Yet, in a fraction of a second, things can change dramatically. It causes one to ponder one’s purpose in life.
Yes, we know that we are mortal – a word which means “dealing with death.” Most of us, however, refrain from thinking about death until it is too late. Yet, it is important for us to contemplate the question: What is our attitude about life and death?
I know that I personally no longer fear death. That fear disappeared after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer and undergoing an experimental radiation treatment at age 49; and after having what should have been a fatal heart attack at age 56. Clearly, I survived both, and I came to realize that God had other plans for me that had not yet been completed.
I have confidence that our God is a loving God Who has a plan for each of our lives. My prayer echoes that of the psalmist today: “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain wisdom of heart.” I pray that I might know enough of what God has planned for me, not all the little details, but what in general God wants me to do. If we learn from God how to number our days aright, then we will be able to gain wisdom of heart. Wisdom of heart means the ability to make the right choice to fulfill God’s plan, since to the ancient Hebrews, the heart is the place where decisions are made.
I remember talking with someone a while ago and saying that God sometimes allows people to have an experience that sheds light on how they still have something to accomplish in life and that their continued living is to be used for the benefit of others. That led me to ponder that, in some sense, all of us are called to think about how we can be of service to others, and that in serving others, we can “number our days aright and gain wisdom of heart.”
I also recall the book, later made into a marvelous movie, The Shack, in which the key character goes through a transformation after his apparent death and spends time with the Triune God. The Triune God patiently and lovingly attends to him, then allows him to return to his earthly existence to live a life more committed to doing God’s will.
I believe that, just as Jesus realized that death was part of His ministry and His life, that we too need to pause occasionally and reflect on our own mortality. We, like our Master and Teacher, need to realize that if we have been faithful to the will of God, that we will be raised up in glory to share the heavenly life in store for us, even if it will come only after a time of pain and suffering. We have all gone through pain and suffering. Are we ready to make the transition to eternal life if God calls us today?
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!