September 5

Today's Reading

Ecclesiastes. "11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep." This verse near the end of the book seems to be a description of how to use it. Let the wise words poke us and prod us as we learn to walk in God's ways.

2 Corinthians. At this time, the Jewish Christians were in an economic crisis. Therefore, many of the poor, struggling Gentiles churches were sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul adds to his plea a request that Corinth, who had much more wealth, give an abundant offering on top of what the poor churches had already given. "4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. " It's hard to believe that people "begged" to give. However, I have seen such a heart among Dominicans who are poor in this world and rich in faith.

Psalms. We must learn to look at life through eternal lenses.

Proverbs today makes me wonder if this is something Solomon told a distinguished guest and which got recorded by a scribe.

What do you notice?