Today's first reading is the opening of Qoheleth's exploration of the meaning of life. From the start, the wise teacher cannot avoid two overwhelming facts. First, all human efforts are eventually wiped away and invisible on the earth. Second, every human dies. Given this, it seems that every human attempt to do anything -- knowing that each person will die and their work will eventually crumble -- is nothing. Often translated "vanity" the recurring word used is "vapor" or "breath" -- everything in life is merely a 'chasing after wind.'
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The second reading offers Qoheleth's main line of inquiry in his search for the meaning of life. Having recognized the futility of human effort, he considers what the best use of time and energy it is for people. First he considers pleasure, which also includes wealth, but he finds that unsatisfying. And while wisdom is better than foolishness, the wise cannot prevent their own death. So the conclusion is that humans should simply eat, drink, and find fulfillment in how they spend their time.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 1-2 today.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 1-2 today.
