Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”

“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to be silent, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-10). This famous passage expresses an attitude which is rare in Scripture. It endorses resignation, acceptance of what is, of the inevitability of birth and death, war and peace, laughing and weeping, even love and hate.

More often in Scripture we meet encouragement to do something about bad things; we see the Savior continually healing people. In Matthew's Gospel, Peter meets Jesus' announcement of his coming passion and death by saying he will never allow it. Even Jesus' first words at the time of his passion were a request that, if possible, he could be spared what was coming. We admire and propose that attitude more often than resignation.

But there are moments in human life when the words of Ecclesiastes offer some comfort and even strength. We have struggled, exhausted every conceivable measure to better a situation. There comes a moment when we do best to accept what is. There might be a time to be silent, a time to mourn. The Lord himself finally prayed in the garden to the Father, “but thy will, not mine be done.” And on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” “There is an appointed time for everything.”

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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