VANITY OF VANITIES (HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR II SEPT 2022

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II

Eccle.1:2-11; Luke 9:7-9

Vanity of Vanities!

The first reading of today speaks of the vanity of all things. It particularly mentioned the vanity of the toil of man and even the vanity of life itself, for a generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. How are we to understand this and learn from it? Does vanity mean that human toil and life itself are of no use or importance? Does it therefore mean that we should not work nor attempt to preserve life in anyway? No!

Vanity does not mean that the world is useless or unimportant, it rather speaks of the inability of the world to give us true happiness or saved us. Through toil, we satisfy our needs and wants; through toil, we earn money to preserve our lives and those of our families. Yet, the satisfaction we derive cannot guarantee us salvation nor true happiness. Even when the product of our toil is used to preserve life, it cannot save it.

Therefore, the message of vanity is that we should saturate everything with the Spirit of God so that we will be wise enough to use the things of world in such a manner that does not contradict the purpose for which God created us and them.

In the gospel reading, the reality of vanity starred Herod at the face. When John the Baptist condemned his adulterous act, he abused his power by putting him in prison. With his power, he could act at will without being questioned. Again, in a bid not to hurt his pride before his guests, he could not refuse his daughter the irrational request of the head of John the Baptist after publicly promising to grant her whatever she ask for.

In these two evil acts of Herod, he tried to prove his worth as a king before men. Surely, these acts must have won him the admiration and awe of men. However, in today’s gospel, he saw the vanity in all he has done. The nothingness of his kingly power starred at him. Beloved, the world is passing away. This does not mean that we should not utilize the world but that we should do all within our power to act rightly and justly. Do not be carried away by the possessions or power you wield at the moment. They will surely fail someday and so will all those who have relied on them.

If we must survive the passing away of everything, we must like the psalmist, seek to take the Lord as our refuge. Because God is not bound by time, those who trust in Him will never be annihilated. 

Have a gracious day!

Fr Remi Osj