September 26, 2026
Sts. Cosmas and Damian
Wisdom and Truth at Ninety
…the dawn of youth is fleeting.
Ecclesiastes 11:10

When I was ten years old, my family and I attended a parish mission in our small country church. The missionary priest gave us holy cards with a saint’s picture and a poem on the back. He used that poem for his sermon that evening. For many years, I’ve remembered and meditated on that spiritual teaching.

Life is short and death is sure.
The hour of death remains obscure.
A soul you have, with only one;
If that be lost, your hope is gone.
Waste not your time, while time shall last;
For after death ‘tis ever past.

When I first read that life is short, I thought those words applied only to the elderly people sitting in church, that those words did not apply to me. I was only ten.

Now, after ninety years, the poem has a different meaning. I’m happy to accept its message: I know I’ll pass. Yes, that is true. But God will give me life anew.

For mercy and hope, I thank you, Jesus.

- Fr. James McKarns

Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8 ✚ Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17 ✚ Luke 9:43b-45
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Comments

Bonnie L
September 26, 2026 at 08:05 PM

Thank you for the reflection Fr McKarns. I copied it and put it in my Faith notes folder. I too have followed Living Faith for a while since 1996. Before just reading from the little printed book that was published. God Bless you.

Debbie H
September 26, 2026 at 12:59 PM

I love this devotion today; thank you Father James. Blessings to this LFF.

freeter
September 26, 2026 at 12:10 PM

Amen. :)

Stormi
September 26, 2026 at 08:35 AM

Fr. James thank you for sharing that poem. It's a good reflection in troubled times. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs. Nice to hear from you BIll L. yesterday. Holy Spirit fill the heart of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Holly
September 26, 2026 at 08:32 AM

Amen, thank you Father James!

CBR
September 26, 2026 at 08:18 AM

What a great poem thank you Father it is something to ponder may God bless you Amen Amen Amen

Mike
September 26, 2026 at 08:25 AM

Amen indeed Father

Scott
September 26, 2026 at 07:27 AM

This morning I come reflecting on my own life. Where will I be when I am 90. Vanities of vanities, do my routines in life are they meaningless? What brings meaning to me. Waking up, saying I have blessings to share. I have my drive to work, from work, I find meaning in community, reflecting on the meaningful walk I have with the Spirit in my life and am blessed. With Aloha Scott

Salina (not in control)
September 26, 2026 at 07:12 AM

******* Here is what Solomon summarized his experience for the young people in Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor Him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” *** The key in his summary ( the NLT translation), “Remember Him” is repeated in verses 2, 3 (twice), 4, 5 (twice), and 6 for a total of 7 times! *** Solomon concluded as he has started in Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12:8, “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”...”Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” ***...
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Salina (not in control)
September 26, 2026 at 08:22 AM

Fool’s Gold by Eli Gable https://youtu.be/RsZbhwseyh0?is=JGfL2DKzRx5P8XVz

Salina (not in control)
September 26, 2026 at 07:14 AM

Correction: Ecclesiastes 1:2

Bill L
September 26, 2026 at 03:10 AM

Your devotion today gave me pause, Fr. James. Thank you.

Sunburst through rocking chair on front porch. Image by The Camera Queen | stock.adobe.com
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