PENTECOST XVIII
OCTOBER 4, 2020
“Time After Time”
For everything there is a season
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and
a time to die;a time to plant, and
a time to pluck up what is planted;a time to kill, and
a time to heal;
a time to break down, and
a time to build up;
a time to weep, and
a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and
a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and
a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace, and
a time to refrain from embracing; (Ecclesiastes 3:1-5)
As the days become cooler and shorter and our whole environment has a different palette of colors, it’s apparent the inevitable seasonal change is upon us. We’re used to the arrival of autumn, in fact, we expect it, but every year we’re reminded that this change occurs regardless of our personal desires. The philosophical nature of this portion of the well-known “time” passage in Ecclesiastes is appropriate at any time, but as we’ve experienced much of a year packed with significant challenges, it seems especially poignant.
The Book of Ecclesiastes is attributed to an old king or wise teacher, a memoir reflecting on what he has come to understand about the importance of determining what is of true value. In some ways, these verses and much of the book sound a little cynical or even depressed, but if you identify the writer as someone who has significant life experiences, the picture broadens out. The verses above can be applied to individuals, families, communities and nations.
Consider the ways in which these “times” are meaningful and relevant in many circumstances throughout human lives. The teacher concludes that as people understand that they cannot find meaning through their own efforts, they will learn to trust God and find satisfaction and happiness in their everyday lives. After years of struggle and despair of finding a gracious God, Martin Luther came to realize that the answer was not a doctrine or spiritual practice, but rather the person of Christ himself. Through the gift of his own Son, God finds every one of us, and by his grace we are given the faith to accept that amazing gift.
As we worry and wonder, as we hope and fear, we are reminded that through all the times of our lives we are never alone. God is always with us, and as we find ways to connect, to feel part of our faith communities, our families, our circles of friends, God’s love and presence is there as well. And so the seasons change, and even as we go through experiences of breaking down, weeping or mourning, there will also be healing, building up, laughter, and even times for embracing! God’s faithfulness to us, his children, never wavers, and as we share that good news, strengthening others, we are strengthened by it as well.
“I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my guide.” Martin Luther
And yes, we all need some hugs!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers