From Vanity to Purpose: An Invitation From Fr. Ernest

Today’s first reading declares “All things are vanity!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) The Hebrew word Hebel/Habel literally means “breath” or “vapor.” It is used in the Bible to signify things that are fleeting or pass away quickly; things that are pointless, without advantage or amount to wasted effort; things that are empty of meaning or senseless. Why would a Biblical author declare that “All things are vanity”? 

Frankly, he was writing before Jesus came to imbue the human pilgrimage with an eternal purpose. Jesus taught that our lives are not fleeting or pointless. The point of our lives is to know, love and serve God in our neighbors; and our efforts to do so are not wasted but will yield an eternal reward. This “Good News” permeated our world and, in most countries west of Israel, became the unifying vision that formed and sustained the values of a culture known as Christendom. But for many varied reasons, Christendom has been declining in recent centuries. People have tried to replace its divine value system with secular values such as wealth, pleasure, health, and science that respects the “seen” but ignores the “unseen.” Those who pursue these things without respect to the eternal God will eventually conclude that “All things are vanity.” 

The Church still exists as the antidote to this vanity. Yet we are no longer operating in Christendom, but in an Apostolic Age. Like the first apostles, we are outnumbered by unbelievers and the values of our culture are no longer permeated by the values of Jesus. But He is with us, and He sends us into this mission field which is all around us—in our friends, neighbors, strangers and enemies. How can we bring them His Good News which can save them from the vanity of this life? Let us not afraid for God is with us. We were born for this! Don’t miss this opportunity to claim your part in God’s saving plan!