Poor Quoheleth, he was so bored. After reading these verses, we are tempted to join him in his depression. He makes life sound useless and futile, a merry-go-round that doesn’t go anywhere. Conceivably, one could observe these very same facts and be thrilled by them, break into praise toward the Creator, as we find elsewhere in the scripture, for instance, in the Canticle of the Three Children in Daniel 3. Nights and days, praise the Lord. Sun and moon praise the Lord, snow and rain praise the Lord!! But what makes the difference?
In a certain sense, we could also apply this to Herod, who was curious about Jesus. Many people wanted to know Jesus, some because of his message, others because of his healing, and others because of his miracles. Others were puzzled; that was Herod’s case, as we find in today’s Gospel.
This perplexity about Jesus continues even today. What creates these differences and the chasm between depression and faith? How does one find meaning, rose-colored glasses that transform our lives into praise and gratitude?
Jesus is present in the Holy Eucharist and comes to us in Holy Communion to be our light, strength, and remedy on life’s journey.
Prayer:
Lord of life, help us to see reality and life in the light of faith, in the knowledge of your love and providential care, strengthened and guided by you. Amen.
