THURSDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Eccl 1: 2-11 Ps 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17 Lk 9: 7-9
ONLY CHRIST GIVES LASTING MEANING
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on a profound question: What gives true meaning to our lives? The Book of Ecclesiastes opens with the striking words, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” The sacred author is not saying that life is meaningless. Rather, he reminds us that everything in this world is temporary. Wealth, success, fame, and even human achievements are like a passing mist. Generations come and go, but nothing on earth can fully satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart. A life centered only on worldly pursuits eventually leaves us empty.
The Gospel presents Herod, a man who seemingly had everything: power, influence, and wealth. Yet he was deeply disturbed when he heard about Jesus. People had different opinions about Jesus: some believed He was John the Baptist raised from the dead, others Elijah, or one of the prophets. Herod’s question, “Who then is this?” is one that every person must answer. The tragedy is that Herod’s curiosity never became faith. His guilty conscience over the death of John the Baptist prevented him from opening his heart to Christ. He wanted to see Jesus, but not to change his life. Many of us are like Herod: we know about Jesus, admire His teachings, and even participate in religious practices, but hesitate to let Him transform their hearts.
The message of today’s readings is clear: life finds its true meaning only in God. When Christ becomes the center of our lives, our daily work, sacrifices, and relationships gain eternal value. Without Him, even great achievements remain incomplete. Today, Jesus asks each one of us, “Who am I for you?” Is He simply a figure from history, or is He the Lord who guides our choices, our priorities, and our future? Our answer is given not merely by our words but by the way we live. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask the Lord for the grace to seek not the passing things of this world but the eternal treasures of His Kingdom. May our lives bear witness to the joy and peace, which Christ alone can give.
Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge,
from generation to generation.
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