Presider: Fr. Dan Volkert
Parish: St. Bruno & St. Paul
Choir: Thelen Family
TEXT FROM THE HOMILY
In the first reading we read from the book of Ecclesiastes. Now if there's any one book you should read other than the gospels, it's Ecclesiastes because it lays the foundation for the spiritual life. Now, as we read the first reading, it's written in the voice of a person names Qoheleth. Now scripture scholars believe that this person actually is king Solomon. Now we all know God blessed king Solomon with a great gift of wisdom. I think that's what king Solomon in this first reading is imparting upon us, great wisdom so that we can apply it in the spiritual life. Now notice how it begins. Vanity of vanities. All things are vanity. Well right now Solomon is an old man. He's lived a full life. And as a king he's seen it all and done it all. Throughout his entire life he's had everything. He's had wealth, and fame and power, and he's accomplished many things in his life. And yet now at the end of his life he looks back and he says it's all in vain. All of his personal accomplishments mean nothing to him at all. Now, as we continue to read Ecclesiastes you'll see a phrase that is repeated time and time again. And the phrase is under the sun. Well it's a reference to the world. And we hear that in the first reading. And herein lies really the heart of Solomon's message for us all and his great wisdom for us. If you want purpose in life, if you want your life to have meaning, don't look to the things of this world to give your life purpose and meaning and fulfillment. You won't find it. Well why is that? Well turn to Genesis chapter 1 verse 26. God said let us make man in our own image and likeness. We are made for God. Therefore, each and every one of us has a deep desire for the divine in our life. See, I think that's what Solomon is trying to teach us. One of the most important things that we have in life is finding the greatest good which is God. And only God can satisfy that deepest longing we have for the divine. Now, don't get me wrong. The things of this world are all good. Houses, cars, promotions at work, property, there's nothing wrong with them. They're all gifts given to us by God. That's how God sees them. But, the moment that they become the ultimate desire in our life, other than God, that's when we get into big troubles. I think that's exactly what Solomon is trying to teach us in this first reading. Now, fast forward to the gospel from Luke. A little while later, Jesus will say, wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be. Well I think that's a powerful message for us all. Both Jesus and Solomon are giving us this same message. The greatest treasure that we can have is not found in the things of this world. It's found in our faith and our relationship with God. You make that your treasure now and always, then your life will never be in vain. Your life will always have purpose and meaning and fulfillment. Now and always.
Entrance: Canticle of the Turning
Text: Luke 1:46-58; Rory Cooney, b.1952, © 1990, GIA Publications, Inc.
Psalm 90: If Today You Hear God’s Voice
Text: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; refrain trans., Lectionary for Mass, © 1969, 1981, 1997, ICEL; verses , New American Bible, © 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
Preparation: Teach Me
Tune: Copyright © 2019 by HAL LEONARD - MILWIN MUSIC CORP. and HAL LEONARD LLC Text: Copyright © 2019 by HAL LEONARD - MILWIN MUSIC CORP. and HAL LEONARD LLC
Communion: Taste and See
Text: Psalm 34; James E. Moore, Jr., b.1951, © 1983, GIA Publications, Inc.
Sending Forth: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Text: Henry van Dyke, 1852-1933, alt
Mass Setting: Mass of Joy and Peace
Text: ICEL, © 2010
Music: Mass of Joy and Peace, Tony E. Alonso, © 2010, GIA Publications, Inc.
Permission to podcast/stream the music in this liturgy obtained from ONE LICENSE, License No. A-718591.
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