"Does history repeat itself?"

One of my favorite memories of teaching was a breakthrough with a special student when she raised her hand with great enthusiasm and said, "Mrs. Courtney, Mrs. Courtney, Does history repeat itself???"

These two readings appointed for today prove how true that statement is.

First from Ecclesiastes 9. 11-18 an ancient book of wisdom written about 300 BCE:

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good.

and secondly from Paul's letter to the Galatians 5. 1 - 15 written about 50 AD

For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Prayers for wisdom, quiet words and love of neighbor as self. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.