The Passage of Time

THE PASSAGE OF TIME

Cl. Mario D’Couto sdb

            Ever wondered as to what makes a happy man sad and a sad man happy? It is the passage of time. Sometime back when we were having our Vespers in the chapel, this reflection suddenly came to my mind. It was about Psalm 48. This psalm can be understood in 2 parts. In the first part, the psalmist tackles the problem of the poor who suffer and are persecuted while the rich are well – off and happy. However, he also notes the fact that at the time of death, all are equal. Thus the main message is that riches cannot buy a longer life. In his riches, the human person lacks wisdom; he is like the beasts that are destroyed.

            The second part of the psalm deals with the after life. By this the psalmist gives us a practical advice, “Do not fear when a man grows rich, when the glory of his house increases. He takes nothing with him when he dies, his glory does not follow him below.”

            This psalm was a reminder to me about the fact that in as much as work is important, we should not be anxiously disturbed by it. Another day has passed and eventually our life itself will pass away. “Why should we fear in evil days?” the psalmist asks. The evil days will end, the lives of wise men and fools will come to an end and all the riches of the people who trust in themselves will pass away. Ultimately, we come with nothing and we will go back with nothing; that is the effect of the passage of time.  


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