These were some of the
first words of Pope Francis’ pontificate, and the Readings this week seem
providentially to support our new pontiff’s emphasis on the spiritual value of
poverty. Texts from the Old and New
Testaments remind us that human happiness is not to be found in the
accumulation of material goods. Riches
are fleeting and empty. We are called
instead to “store up treasure in heaven, where neither rust nor moth destroy,
where thieves cannot break in and steal.”
1. Our First Reading is Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23:
Vanity of
vanities, says Qoheleth,
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill,
and yet to another who has not labored over it,
he must leave property.
This also is vanity and a great misfortune.
For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart
with which he has labored under the sun?
All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation;
even at night his mind is not at rest.
This also is vanity.
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill,
and yet to another who has not labored over it,
he must leave property.
This also is vanity and a great misfortune.
For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart
with which he has labored under the sun?
All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation;
even at night his mind is not at rest.
This also is vanity.
