< <  

Thursday, September 22, 2022

  > >


Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Luke 9:7-9

View Readings
Similar Reflections

from vanity into fullness

“Nothing is new under the sun.” —Ecclesiastes 1:9

The author of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is a wise man named Qoheleth (Eccl 1:1). He is wise, but he lived before the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. From his perspective, “all things are vanity!” (Eccl 1:2) Many people today are likewise pessimistic about living in this world filled with misery and tears. The New Testament recognizes this. Life “without God in the world” is definitely a life “without hope” (Eph 2:12). Apart from Jesus, we “can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).

Yet the Good News is that God loved us so much that He sent His only-begotten Son that we might have the opportunity to believe in Him and have eternal life (Jn 3:16). God in His mercy has offered us life “with and in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6), “life to the full” (Jn 10:10). Jesus proclaims: “See, I make all things new!” (Rv 21:5) God and God alone can make all things new and beautiful. Therefore, “fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1).

Are you feeling hopeless, like Qoheleth? Do you feel alone, dejected, discouraged, pessimistic? Is your life without hope? Come to Jesus (Mt 11:28). He will change your “mourning into dancing” (Ps 30:12). Jesus will give you His very own, eternal, boundless, complete joy (Jn 15:11). In Jesus, we are new creations (2 Cor 5:17).

Prayer:  Father, when I am without hope, give me the grace to turn to Jesus rather than turning in on myself.

Promise:  “A thousand years in Your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past.” —Ps 90:4

Praise:  With simplicity of faith, Randy, a four-pack-a-day smoker, was instantly healed of that addiction by a humble prayer empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Hope, listen to, download or order our CD 70-1 or DVD 70 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 31, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.