This opening of Ecclesiastes sets the gloomy tone for the rest of the book. Despite much activity, the world seemed to remain the same. Nothing seemed to change despite all human endeavour.

The writer was expressing a sense of emptiness or futility. Looking back on history, we might be tempted to say the same - that all is futile, that nothing changes no matter how hard we try. Yet, in spite of the chaos in our world today, there are some rays of hope. Let us pray that we can be the ray of hope in the world as we live for God and others as Jesus taught.

Herod was curious about Jesus. He had heard about Jesus' popularity and the miracles that Jesus performed. Herod had also been impressed with John the Baptist but had beheaded him. There were rumours that Jesus was really John raised from the dead, or Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. Herod asked the question that was in the minds of many - who is this Jesus? We all need to answer that question. Who is Jesus? And more importantly, who is Jesus in my life? Do I just know facts about Jesus? Or do I have a close relationship with Jesus?