First Reading - Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8
Gospel - Luke 9:43-45
The first reading from Ecclesiastes speaks especially to the young: “Rejoice, young man, in your youth.” Enjoy the gift of life, but do not forget that our choices have consequences. The author concludes with a beautiful invitation: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.”
This is an important message for everyone, not only for young people. We can become so busy building our future that we forget the One who gave us life. We can spend our energy pursuing success, possessions, recognition or comfort, while neglecting our relationship with God.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that youth, strength, beauty and earthly achievements do not last forever. Everything passes. Therefore, the question is not simply how much we can achieve in life, but whether we are using our life for something that has lasting value.
The Gospel gives us a different but related reminder. Jesus tells his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.”
The disciples do not understand what Jesus means. They cannot imagine that the one they recognize as the Messiah will suffer and be handed over to others.
Why does Jesus tell them this? Because they need to understand that his mission is not simply about power, success or human glory. His path will pass through suffering and the cross.
This challenges our own expectations. We often want a life without difficulties. We want success without sacrifice and happiness without suffering. But Jesus shows us that true life is not measured simply by comfort or achievement. Sometimes faithfulness requires sacrifice, patience and perseverance.
The two readings therefore invite us to look at life differently. Ecclesiastes reminds us that our time is limited. The Gospel reminds us that what matters is how we use that time in following Christ.
We have only one life, and every day is an opportunity. We can spend our time only pursuing things that eventually pass away, or we can use our time to love, serve, forgive, pray and build something that has eternal value.
So let us ask ourselves today: How am I using the time God has given me? What occupies most of my attention? Have I remembered my Creator, or have I become so busy with life that I have forgotten its source?
Jesus reminds us that the way of discipleship may involve sacrifice, but it leads to true life.
May we not wait until later to take God seriously. Let us remember our Creator today, live faithfully in the present moment, and follow Christ even when we do not fully understand the road ahead.
Our time is a gift. May we use it well, so that when our earthly journey comes to an end, we may know that we have lived not simply for ourselves, but for God and for others.
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