18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C

1st Reading       Ecclesiastes 1: 2; 2:21-23

Resp. Psalm      Psalm 94:1-2,6-9

2nd Reading     Colossians 3: 1-5. 9-11

Gospel                Luke 12: 13-21

APART FROM GOD, ALL IS VANITY

Today is the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and also the Last Sunday and last day in the month of July, 2022. We thank God for his Grace and Mercy in seeing us through to the end of the month, and we pray that we may be aided by him in the coming month.

This Sunday we shall deliberate on vanities. Our first reading starts by mentioning ‘VANITY OF VANITIES’. Let us consider a few details from the first reading.

We must bear in mind that we are reading from the book of Ecclesiastes, one of the Wisdom Books. Another name for this book is QOHELETH (קֹהֶלֶת). QOHELETH is title for a public preacher, one who leads an assembly. The person in the first reading seem to be one who is aged and wise. Aside being a public preacher and leader of a qāhal (assemblying of people), he is also a King in Jerusalem (Eccl. 1:1,12). He is also David’s Son (Eccl. 1:1). The probable person we are being told about here is Solomon. Solomon is David's Son, Ruled in Israel, and is the quintessence of the search for Wisdom in the Old Testament.

The author informs us that ALL IS VANITY, everything is vain (HEBEL). HEBEL(הֲבֵל)  is used for something that passes quickly, something that, before one realises, passes away like a breath. In fact, man is compared to vanity. His days are like a passing shadow (Ps. 144: 4). We get the sense that a man who is old and experienced can tell us rightfully about that all is vain. Solomon, by this time is aged, and on reflecting on life, wants to tell that the toil for earthly glamour to the extent of seeking to amass more than enough is not necessary.

Solomon tells us about the vanity of the natural world (1:1-11), vanity of Wisdom (vv. 12-18), and vanity of human happiness (2: 1-12). He speaks further about Wisdom and Folly, and within that context tells us about three investments of man — WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL (1:21)

Remember that Solomon is a wise man. Wisdom (CHOKMAH) is the practical use of knowledge. The goal of wisdom finds itself within the domains of a moral life so that there is correct behaviour. Every man invests his time and energy in Wisdom. 

The second is Knowledge (DA'AT). This is about God, the possession of information about God. It is even the ability to differentiate between good and evil (Gen. 2:9). If you like, this is spirituality. Man invests in spirituality. 

The third investment is skill (KISHRON). This is like the reward for one's labour, the success of one's toil. As a matter of fact, it is an advantage, an opportunity. If you like, it is one's created influence and image. Remember that because of the Wisdom and fame of Solomon, even the Queen of the South rose and went to Solomon to test him and she marvelled at his wealth and wisdom (1 Kings 10: 1, 4-5). That is a kind of influence, an opportunity, a reward for his labour in Wisdom and Spirituality. This is the third kind of investment. 

The problem is that after investing so much time and energy in them, one has little time on earth to enjoy them. They are not bad, but an inordinate quest for them degenerating into selfish interest is what is not encouraged. Moderate and charitable search for them enhances a God-centred life, a life that enables man to look towards God and fellow men. In the end, another person will inherit your lot. Why not share? Why have an inordinate and selfish toil for an earthly influence which is merely a breath? 

Solomon is worried about the person who will inherit his lot. He is worried that he is unable to enjoy all that he had amassed for himself, and especially when the person who inherits them plays a fool with them.

May God help us to invest our energies moderately and, in so doing, make our lives the center of charity. Amen.

Pax et Bonum