24 September 2020
Is there a thing of which it is said,
‘See, this is new’?
It has already been,
in the ages before us.
The people of long ago are not remembered,
nor will there be any remembrance
of people yet to come
by those who come after them.
From Ecclesiastes: 1:2-11, NRSV
This message from the author of Ecclesiastes is not a very welcome one! In an age of great invention and innovation, it would seem strange not to rejoice in the fantastic things that enrich our lives. Even more sad would it be if we were to think that people will not be remembered by those who come after them. So what does this author mean? The words of Ecclesiastes are supposedly those of a king of Jerusalem, and perhaps one who was rather self-indulgent, who is reflecting of his life experiences and often drawing self critical lessons from these. Although his reflections may seem quite gloomy to us, perhaps they do serve to make us think about the lasting value of where we invest our time and energy. Ultimately, our lives are fulfilled in our relationship with God and not by our efforts alone.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, remembering the deep devotion of our country to Mary during medieval times and the re-decication of our country as “Mary’s dowry” earlier this year.
- What would you say to the author of Ecclesiastes if such a conversation were possible ?
- How can we make sure that we give space to developing our relationship with God as well as with others?
You may wish to pray this prayer from today’s Mass for the Feastday of Our Lady of Walsingham: Father, the incarnation of your Son was the root of our gracious redemption, your gift of saving love to all God’s people. Strengthened by the prayers of Our Lady of Walsingham, may we be together a joyful sign of Christ’s presence as we continue our pilgrim journey to you, for he is Lord for ever and ever.
