Daily Readings - Thu Sep 22 2022
Ecclesiastes
2Ecclesiastes said: Vanity of vanities! Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity3What more does a man have from all his labor, as he labors under the sun4A generation passes away, and a generation arrives. But the earth stands forever5The sun rises and sets; it returns to its place, and from there, being born again6it circles through the south, and arcs toward the north. The spirit continues on, illuminating everything in its circuit, and turning again in its cycle7All rivers enter into the sea, and the sea does not overflow. To the place from which the rivers go out, they return, so that they may flow again8Such things are difficult; man is not able to explain them with words. The eye is not satisfied by seeing, nor is the ear fulfilled by hearing9What is it that has existed? The same shall exist in the future. What is it that has been done? The same shall continue to be done10There is nothing new under the sun. Neither is anyone able to say: "Behold, this is new!" For it has already been brought forth in the ages that were before us11There is no remembrance of the former things. Indeed, neither shall there be any record of past things in the future, for those who will exist at the very end
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all the things that were being done by him, but he doubted, because it was sai8by some, "For John has risen from the dead," yet truly, by others, "For Elijah has appeared," and by still others, "For one of the prophets from of old has risen again.9And Herod said: "I beheaded John. So then, who is this, about whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the human search for meaning and truth. In the first reading from Ecclesiastes, we hear the wisdom of the ages: "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." The author laments the fleeting nature of life and the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The earth remains, but human generations come and go, striving and laboring without lasting fulfillment. The rivers flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full, and the eye and ear are never satisfied. This is the paradox of human existence—our efforts, though noble, are temporary, and true fulfillment eludes us. The reading reminds us that nothing under the sun is truly new; history repeats itself, and our memories of the past fade into obscurity.
In the Gospel, we encounter Herod, a man consumed by doubt and curiosity. He has heard of Jesus and the miracles being attributed to him, but he is confused. Some say Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead, others claim he is Elijah or one of the ancient prophets. Herod, who had beheaded John, is now haunted by the possibility that John has returned. He seeks to see Jesus, driven by a mix of fear and curiosity. Herod’s reaction reflects the human condition—our tendency to seek answers to life’s great mysteries, yet often with uncertainty and skepticism. Like Herod, we may find ourselves questioning who Jesus is and what he means for our lives.
These readings challenge us to examine our own search for meaning. Ecclesiastes reminds us that earthly pursuits, though they may occupy our time, cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. True fulfillment comes not from the fleeting things of this world but from seeking the eternal and the divine. Herod’s story, on the other hand, invites us to move beyond doubt and curiosity. It calls us to encounter Jesus with openness and faith, to let go of our skepticism and allow his presence to transform us. In our daily lives, let us strive to balance our earthly responsibilities with a deeper spiritual focus. May we trust in God’s plan, even when the world around us seems uncertain, and may we seek the eternal truths that bring lasting peace and fulfillment.