A friend of mine who had a somewhat pessimistic outlook on life would often quote with great relish the last words of today's first reading, "Vanity of Vanities; all is Vanity." He was being somewhat selective in his choice of quotation. Admittedly Qoheleth brings us on a roller-coaster ride through life but, over all, his message was positive in a very sober sense of that word. He does not attempt to solve all the problems confronting us due to the transitory and sometimes contradictory nature of human life. He cautions against over work and advises us to enjoy in moderation the good things of life so that we can live life better and contribute to the general good. Finally, however, he has to exhort us to an almost blind trust in God. Then things will be bearable with an unnamed hope of something better to come. Still, I wonder how encouraging the reading will be to some of us of a more pessimistic bent, young or old .

Obviously Jesus' disciples did not find his words in today's Gospel encouraging at first hearing. They were frightened by them but they stayed with him, nevertheless. Their amazement at the great things he did was accompanied by a conviction that he loved them and would never let them down. They worked for him and found their joy and fulflment in the job he gave them to do. They died for him.