Homily: Twenty-fifth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Twenty-fifth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Ecclesiastes 1:2-11) “Laugh with Me”

Nihilisms is a type of philosophy that says everything is meaningless. Whatever we do in our life doesn’t matter. Therefore, we should do whatever we want. Friedrich Nietzsche was one of the most famous of the nihilistic philosophers. He was the son of a protestant minister and he had seen people basing their life on Christian ideals. He was disappointed in what he saw which led to his declaration that “God is dead.”

When we read through the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, we can’t help but think of Nihilisms. The writer does not imply that God is dead, but the writer says that nothing that we try to accomplish in life will ever be completely satisfying.

Another thing that the writer of Ecclesiastes (who tradition says is King Solomon) says is that there is nothing new that happens. Whatever new idea we come up with has been thought of before.

What the writer of Ecclesiastes is implying is that what we know and what we do pales in comparison to what God knows and does. How are we to feel about that. Should we give into despair and quit trying to explore the world we live in?

What the writer seems to be saying is that we should grow in our sense of awe when it comes to God. We might recognize our smallness when we compare ourselves to the largeness of God.

The writer of Ecclesiastes implies that we may feel helpless when we consider the awesomeness of God, but if we believe that we can trust God we can be at peace. We don’t have to work about an angry God. We can rely on a benevolent God. Everything will work for those who love God.

Perhaps we might use the adage, “We should never take ourselves too seriously.” We will be holier people if we can laugh at ourselves.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I feel helpless at times? Does what I do matter?

2.    Can I be lighthearted about my efforts? Is it easier or harder to feel that way as I get older?

 Dear Parishioners,

           We have a pastoral council here at Sacred Heart. There are nine or ten parishioners who sit on the council along with the parish trustees. The mission of the pastoral council is to advise the pastor concerning the parish and to promote stewardship and evangelization in the parish.

          Every year there are people who rotate off the council and who begin their service to the council.  A member sits on the pastoral council for three years and can return for a second term. After six years, members leave the council.

          At present we are seeking new members. If you would like to join the parish council, please drop your name in the collection or call Fr. Mark. You may also recommend others for the council by dropping a name into the collection in an envelope marked parish council or by speaking to a parish council member about potential members.

          We hope to seat new members by the first of the year.

          May Our Lady pray for healing in our divided world,

          Fr. Mark