Monday, February 21, 2011

Shocking Scripture Passage Today

So I'm praying the Liturgy of the Hours with my husband . . . Ho hum, Ho hum. Reading words that I've heard a hundred times before when that dang Living Word of God rises up and smacks me in the heart.

What do you think of this striking passage from Ecclesiastes?

"For to whatever man [God] sees fit he gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering possessions to be given to whatever man God sees fit. This also is vanity and a chase after wind."

Say what?

To the "sinner" is given the task of "gathering possessions"????

As in the obession with "gathering possessions" already marks you as a sinner. And you're doing a lowly task for God who will ultimately decide to hand over your possessions to someone else (as in inheritance or in a bankrupcy?)

Shocking!