Rejoice, young man, while you are young

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Eccl. 11:9-12:8, Lk. 9:43-45. The author of today's first reading warns one of his youthful acquaintances about the inevitability of death: “Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.” The author seems upbeat about life when he writes those words, but then he turns away from the joys of youth and paints a gloomy vignette of old age and death. He describes lonely old folk, sitting silent all day long, staring into space. The darkness mentioned in the text of the first reading refers to failing eyesight; the idle grinders are teeth that have worn away; all the singing maidens who were joyful in their youthful days sing no more. This text is a reminder not to neglect people who are burdened with the pains of old age because one day we will join their age and be in need of help. Faith tells us that Jesus is always present with the lonely and the dying. In today's Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the difficult times ahead, when “the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of men.” If they failed to understand this, it was because they did not want to believe their ears. They were afraid to ask Him about it again, in case He repeated what they thought He said. As they approach Jerusalem, Jesus repeated the fate that awaits Him to tell us that hope for new life with God had to go through the gates of death. As believers, we have hope for the future to help us bear the crosses of life and arrive at life’s eternal possibilities. When the disciples encountered the glorious resurrection of Jesus after His death, they understood the mission of the Son of Man, that, He is here to establish a Kingdom of love and service, a Kingdom at the service of life and human dignity. This experience enabled the disciples to preach the message of love and service and win the hearts of everyone. May the Lord give us courage when things go wrong, strengthen our faith and hope in His promises and with love of His will! Amen!! Keep safe and happy weekend!!!