Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, reflects on the question, “Is this all there is?” Drawing from the Book of Ecclesiastes, he explains the phrase “vanity of vanities” as pointing to the fragility and fleeting nature of everything “under the sun”—the things of this physical and visible world. The world contains many good things, such as success, possessions, relationships, recognition, and accomplishments, but none of them can completely satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart. This helps explain why even people who reach the height of fame or success can still experience emptiness and dissatisfaction. When we expect the world to give us ultimate fulfillment, we eventually discover its limitations, and life without God can begin to feel meaningless.
Yet this longing for “something more” points us beyond the world rather than toward despair. The truth of who we are can only be fully understood in relationship with God. The Gospel reveals the Good News that our life is not limited to what is “under the sun”; we are created for eternal life with God. Therefore, our lives should not be centered only on temporary goods, but on the eternal goods that lead us to Him. The deepest satisfaction of the human heart is ultimately found in Jesus Christ, who gives meaning to our lives and reveals the eternal destiny for which we were created.

Readings for September 24th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092426.cfm
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