Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21

Vanity

The reading for Sunday begin with the words, “Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities!  All things are vanity!” 

We are reminded to stop and think about what really matters in our lives. It is easy to focus on the things we own, our successes, others’ positive opinions of us, wealth, talents. These do not last and we know that someday we will die and none of those “possessions” go with us. The readings for this Sunday point us to something greater.

Ecclesiastes tells us that working hard just to gain possessions is empty. Life is short. We cannot take anything with us. Psalm 90 teaches us to ask God to help us use our time well. We are reminded that each day is a gift. 

In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a man who saves up his riches. He is proud of all he owns, but God calls him a fool because his life will end that night. The real purpose of his and our lives is to be rich in what matters to God. 

This is not the message our society teaches. Wealth and power are priorities and it doesn’t matter who is hurt of left behind in seeking the top place. We are bombarded with advertisements about what we need to be important and comfortable every moment of our lives. We admire people who seem to have it all. In reality, life does not consist in possessions but in sharing what we possess with others. The goods of the earth have been given by a gracious God for everyone, not a special few!

The readings call us to examine our values and priorities and encourage us to live with purpose and hope in God. They remind us that true happiness and peace come from placing our lives in God’s hands.

The refrain for the Responsorial Psalm is a good reminder – If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

What are your true thoughts and feelings about wealth and power?

In what ways are you open to God’s message of sharing what you have with others?