Today's first reading is Qoheleth's brief justification that enjoyment of life is essential to living well. If one is rich, lives long, or has many kids, but does not enjoy any of these things, all this person has had is work -- an endless to-do list with no reward.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
The second reading continues Qoheleth's exploration by suggesting that awareness of human limitations and accepting them is also important in living a good life. Lest some think that being oblivious to death is better (the ultimate "ignorance is bliss" proposition), there are a list of proverbs pointing to the importance and value of accepting death as the final part of life. This is true even in hard times, filled with challenges and adversity.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 6-7 today.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 6-7 today.
