What’s the best life advice that you’ve ever received? Recently, I was speaking with a friend who told me that when he turned fifty, he asked a wise priest that we both knew for some advice since he’d hit a significant milestone.
Without batting an eye, Fr. Joe, a noted scripture scholar, said, well, first, don’t ever pass up a bathroom, and secondly, never miss a chance to get together with a friend. On the one hand, it is some practical advice about how life changes with age on a physical level, and the second part is about the importance of our friendships and the finite nature of life on earth.
Advice From the Old Testament
Well, today’s readings contain life advice from King David and Jesus. King David, as he is nearing the end of his life, wants to be certain that his son will continue on the right path. He begins by saying to his son, “…take courage and be a man” in our vernacular, “man up.”
King David then continues in the heart of the message that applies to men and women and boys and girls as he reminds Solomon and us to keep the mandate of the Lord by observing statutes, ordinances, decrees, and the law of Moses as found in the Ten Commandments.
King David encourages Solomon by saying if you follow this instruction, you will succeed in whatever you do and wherever you go. Much has changed since the time of King David and Solomon, but what hasn’t is the desire of mothers and fathers to teach their children as long as they are here on earth…to help prepare them to continue the journey with God after they, their parents, have gone home to God.
Life Advice
Going back to life advice, the late Cardinal Cushing of the Archdiocese of Boston upon ordination to the priesthood was given this advice from one of his priest mentors, always take your priesthood seriously, but never take yourself too seriously! In other words, commit yourself to being a good and holy priest, and always remember to be able to laugh at yourself and remember you’re human too! (By the way, you could also substitute husband or wife or single for priest in that advice too!)
Advice in the New Testament
In the Gospel, Jesus’ advice to the Twelve was to take only a walking stick and the clothes on their backs for the journey, next to nothing, but instead to fully put their trust in God. He told them not to expect special treatment nor to get worked up or delayed if people they preached to fail to listen or to welcome them.
My brothers and sisters, today, Jesus also reminds us that our faith in God is essential and to let go of hurt feelings when the faith we try to share is ignored…but instead to persevere with hope and joy that comes from believing that God will use even the moments of rejection in His Providence for the good others and ourselves.
Follow God’s teachings, trust that He will provide, and let go of discouragement to be ready to embrace the good that will come from doing the work of the Lord. Essential life advice, no matter your vocation or age!
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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