My Dear Brothers and Sisters;
"Vanity is vanity!" This is what the Book of Ecclesiastes says about life. Is it true? King Salomon, the author of this book seems so cynical about life but he actually calls us to ponder on the meaning of life. What is it really? The Book of Catechism number I, describes the purpose of man's life. Let me summerize its points: "First, out of goodness God freely created man to share in his own life. He calls man to seek him, to know him, and to love him with all his strength. Through his Son, he invites men to become his adopted children and thus the heirs of his blessed life. Secondly, Christ sent forth the apostles, commisioning them to proclaim the gospel: 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.' So, they went and Christ worked with him through the signs and wonders. Thirdly, those who have welcomed Christ's call are urged to proclaim the Good News everywhere. They are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer." Is life still vanity? Not really! Because Salomon did not blame God for the failure in life but he focussed on men's ways. If it is not enough for a person as wealthy and popular and powerful as Salomon was, then there must be something else beyond wealth, popularity, power and beauty. What is it? For King Solomon, there are three things that give meaning in life, they are: Fear of the Lord, revering God, and keeping his commandments. Anything else is secondary. St. Paul believed that everything in life is rubbish after one comes to know Christ. (Phillipians 3,8). How about you? Is your life vanity? I hope not!
God luck and God bless you.
In the Divine Word
Fr. Vincent Alexius, S.V.D.
