1 There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
16 I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness.
17 I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work.” Ecclesiastes 3:16-17
Companions,
I have noticed in the recent political environment that the noble contention of “who best can work and best agree” seems to be less admired among some than just being contentious. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon uses the terms ‘Under Heaven’ and ‘Under the Sun’. Under Heaven refers to God’s plans and gifts and Under the Sun to the activities men do on their own. Ecclesiastes 3:16 informs us that corruption through the passions of men, even in the Courts of Justice and the Sanctuaries of the Church, has been with us since the beginnings of these institutions. Since there is nothing new under the sun companions, it’s presence shouldn’t surprise us but we don’t have to get caught up in the rancor and bitterness of the times. We can take Solomon’s advice that there is nothing better for men than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live. If that sounds to simple or to difficult the Bible is full of encouraging words.
In you LORD, I put my trust. Show me your ways, LORD. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my Savior, and my hope is in you all the day long. Amen.
Jack A. Holloway
I. Associate Grand Chaplain