The Vanity of Life

A Dutch Carmelite missionary who had spent decades working in Indonesia was afflicted with cancer. In the 1960s, when medical research in Indonesia was still in its early stages, the missionary sought treatment in the Netherlands. However, even the doctors there were unable to cure him. Knowing that his time was limited, the missionary returned to Indonesia, intending to die in the land of his mission. Throughout the flight, he sat at the window, marveling at the world's beauty and continually saying, "Vanity of vanities!" He understood that everything was useless.

The Theme of Vanity

This theme is reflected in today's Scripture readings. The book of Ecclesiastes begins with the phrase, "Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The author sees that everything humans do is futile. Working hard and accumulating wealth is also meaningless, as it will ultimately fall into the hands of others. This futility stems from the fact that everything is transient. Beauty fades, power passes, wealth disappears, and life ends in death.

A Pessimistic View?

Reflecting on this reality can lead to disappointment and frustration. Is this all there is to life? However, this seemingly pessimistic view is not meant to motivate despair but to open us to a different perspective. This perspective is what Jesus conveys in today's Gospel (Luke 12:13-21).

Jesus' Teaching

In the Gospel, Jesus shares two important points. First, the value of life does not depend on material wealth. Wealth does not guarantee happiness, and even the richest person can fall ill and die. Wealth cannot save one's life and may even rob them of peace. When we die, everything is left behind for others (Luke 12:20).

Being Rich Before God

However, Jesus' teaching does not stop there. He emphasizes the importance of being rich before God (Luke 12:21). What does this mean? Jesus does not see riches unfavorably; rather, He urges us to use it for more than simply ourselves. Since wealth is a social gift from God, those who possess it should share it with others.

The Danger of Greed

In today's Gospel, Jesus warns us about the danger of greed. "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions" (Luke 12:15). Greedy people are trapped in negative attitudes and habits, such as hoarding wealth for themselves and ignoring others. They become selfish and fail to see that wealth is merely a tool to facilitate life, not the goal.

Conclusion

Those who make wealth their life's goal or the most important thing will be dissatisfied at the end of their lives when they realize they must leave everything behind. This is the vanity of life. Those who know that life and its abundance are God's gifts, on the other hand, will accept them gratefully and be eager to share them with others. By doing so, they build relationships with God and others. Their lives are full of love and kindness, or rich before God. For such people, life is not meaningless but a preparation for eternal happiness.

Reflection

How do we live our lives? Do we prioritize material wealth or being rich before God? Do we recognize the transience of life and its wealth, or do we cling to them? May we reflect on these questions and strive to live a life that is meaningful and rich in the eyes of God. (*)