22 September 2022

Is there a thing of which it is said,
‘See, this is new’?
It has already been,
in the ages before us.
The people of long ago are not remembered,
nor will there be any remembrance
of people yet to come
by those who come after them.
From Ecclesiastes: 1:2-11, NRSV

This message from the author of Ecclesiastes is not a very welcome one! In an age of great invention and innovation, it would seem strange not to rejoice in the fantastic things that enrich our lives. Even more sad would it be if we were to think that people will not be remembered by those who come after them. So what does this author mean? The words of Ecclesiastes are supposedly those of a king of Jerusalem, and perhaps one who was rather self-indulgent, who is reflecting of his life experiences and often drawing self-critical lessons from these. Although his reflections may seem quite gloomy to us, perhaps they do serve to make us think about the lasting value of where we invest our time and energy. Ultimately, our lives are fulfilled in our relationship with God and not by our efforts alone.

• • What would you say to the author of Ecclesiastes if such a conversation were possible?
  • How can we make sure that we give space to developing our relationship with God as well as with others?

Today would be a good day to give some time to reflection on the value of those things to which we give our time and energy – and perhaps to be open to re-appraisal of our activities.