Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

 

Sometimes it is the responsorial psalm that brings together the two readings at mass. Such is the case today I believe.

Today, Psalm 90. “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. You turn man back to dust, saying, Return, O children of men. For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.”

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!”

The passing of time, aging gracefully, listening to your inner voice, listening for God’s words to us. All of these relate to the wisdom readings we have had this week. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes help direct the mind to wisdom.

Today’s reading is alerting the reader to the passing of time and the aging process. Take a closer look with that in mind. One verse makes it clear: “Because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets.” Once again, this not meant as a frightening or scary truth but rather points out the “way of all things.” St Paul reminds us, “in life and in death we are the Lord’s.” But let St. Paul again reassure us: “Nothing can separate us from the Love of God in Jesus Christ.”

Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB