What's the use? Why bother? What does it all mean? These are questions born of fatigue and discouragement, and these feelings hit most people from time to time. Life can seem overwhelming, and our efforts futile. But Ecclesiastes is clear: enjoy life. Live each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude. Accept what God gives us each day. A life lived well is its own reward.

Setting our minds on the things above does not mean turning our backs on the world and other people. It means only to remember who we are and why we are here, and to live our lives according to that vision. We can begin to live in God's presence now, we do not have to wait until we die. The first step is to rise above the things that the world teaches us. We can choose to deal honestly and justly with one another, and to bless rather than curse. Most of all, we can rise above the false barriers and boundaries imposed by this world. In God's Kingdom, there is no difference between people based on race, ethnic origin, gender, or social and economic class. There are only people, loved equally by God. Live this way, and you are already halfway to heaven. The Gospel passage tell us the same thing: don't forget who you are and why you are here, and what is really important.