Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 26 Sep ’24. Sun rises and sets

Daily Catholic Lectio

Thu, 26 Sep ‘24

XXV Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11. Luke 9:7-9

Sun rises and sets

Life often feels like the rising and setting of the sun – repetitive, predictable, and sometimes wearisome. Yet, through Scripture, we are invited to see beyond these cycles and recognise God’s eternal presence and purpose. Today, let us reflect on how the rhythms of life reveal deeper truths in God’s plan.

1. The cyclic nature of life

The sun rises and sets, the winds blow, the rivers flow into the sea – all things repeat in cycles. Ecclesiastes (first reading) reminds us that life is full of patterns and repetitions. Just as the sun rises and sets, so do the events of life unfold in a predictable rhythm. We often experience moments of joy followed by sorrow, success followed by challenges. This cycle can lead us to question the meaning of life. But Scripture invites us to find God’s hand in these rhythms, to see that He remains constant even as everything else is in motion. The cycles of nature reflect the faithfulness of God, who sustains all things.

2. The search for meaning

Ecclesiastes speaks of the weariness of searching for new things under the sun. Despite all human efforts, there seems to be ‘nothing new.’ Like Herod in the gospel reading, people throughout history have sought to understand life’s deeper purpose, yet often find themselves confused or dissatisfied. Herod’s curiosity about Jesus mirrors our own search for meaning in a seemingly repetitive world. But, he was not able to find meaning in Jesus.

3. Herod’s looking for a dawn

Herod’s bewilderment over the reports about Jesus shows that even kings and rulers are not immune to the mysteries of life. Herod felt that he had extinguished the sun, which was John the Baptist. But, now he hears of Jesus, and wants to see him. He comes to realize that the sun of justice can never be put out. Herod could not see the full picture of life. 

The cycles of life, like the sun’s rising and setting, remind us that while life’s routines may feel repetitive, God’s presence is constant and His purpose for us endures. Embracing this truth helps us to find peace in life’s rhythms and trust in God’s transformative work, even in times of uncertainty.

#

The ‘pilgrims of hope’ can find meaning and hope in God even in a world that often seems monotonous. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 209)

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy