The extract from the Book of Ecclesiastes could give a false impression of the general tone of the book. It is not at all as gloomy as today's reading might suggest. The Preacher advises us to be moderate in what we work for so that we can enjoy the good things that God has made available to us. He says that there isn't much point in amassing a great store of possessions that we can't take with us. We will have to leave them to somebody else. This is sound advice. It is realistic, even religious. It is not, however, the full story.

When we come to the Gospel we find a similar warning about striving to build up a huge store of possessions. The words of Jesus, however, spring from a deeper concern. Jesus, who comes from the Father and is going to the Father, wants us to be free and unencumbered on our journey to that same Father. Jesus did enjoy the good things of life in moderation and in a desire to be available and of service to others. He was, however, keenly aware of the corrosive and blinding effect of greed. Hence his stark warning to the "fool".