My Homily for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C homily
Dear brothers and Sisters, today’s first reading which is taken from Ecclesiastes 1:2 and 2:21–23 delivers a sobering reflection on the futility of human effort and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. It expresses the idea that everything in life is ultimately meaningless when viewed from a purely human, earthly perspective.
It laments the reality that a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, only to leave the fruits of their work to someone who did not toil for it. The passage highlights the injustice and frustration of life’s outcomes, especially when hard work doesn’t guarantee lasting satisfaction or control over its results.
| Pleasure, wealth, and accomplishments may seem fulfilling, but they don’t satisfy the soul in the long run. |
| You can work wisely and diligently, yet your legacy may be inherited by someone who doesn’t value it. |
| Even wisdom, though noble, cannot shield us from death or guarantee lasting impact. |
| Labor disconnected from a higher meaning leads to sorrow and restlessness. |
| The underlying theme of Ecclesiastes is that life only gains meaning when viewed through a relationship with God. |
In today’s world, we are often told to hustle and work hard in order to achieve material success. Ecclesiastes reminds us that constant striving without deeper purpose leads to burnout and emptiness. Even skilled labor can feel meaningless when its fruits are passed on to someone who didn’t earn them. In this world which is obsessed with productivity, this reading challenges us to detach our identity from our job titles, status or achievements.
The reading speaks of spending sleepless nights and anxious striving—something many people experience today. Many people don’t sleep at all. All they do and think about is work and work.
For you and I, this reading is calling us to prioritize mental well-being over relentless achievement. Rest is not laziness; it’s essential. Our mental well being is more important than accumulation of material properties.
You can build an empire, but you can’t control who inherits it or how they use it. Focus on values and impact, not just material legacy. Seek Meaning Beyond the Material possessions. The ultimate conclusion is that meaning comes from God, not from wealth, pleasure, or status.
In a consumer-driven society, this is a call to spiritual grounding, gratitude, and humility.
| Dear brothers and sisters take time to pause and reflect on what truly matters. |
| Invest in people, not just projects. |
| Explore faith and develop a personal relationship with God. Do practices that connect you to something greater, and that is God. Connect to God. |
| Align your work and passions with values that endure. |
Today’s first reading challenges us to ask: What are we really living for? What are you living for?
You cannot control who inherits your work. Focus on mentoring others, community building, and nurturing relationships. Your influence on others often outlasts your achievements.
Engage in spiritual disciplines—prayer, reflection, fasting, or acts of service. These foster humility and deeper purpose.
Wisdom alone does not guarantee happiness. Happiness is in giving reverence to God. Develop emotional awareness and resilience. Learn to navigate disappointment, uncertainty, and change with grace.
Ask yourself today; “What am I chasing today, and is it truly worth the pursuit?” God bless you all.
Fr. Stephen Kakande C.S.Sp