NEGATIVE SUPERLATIVES - C: 18th Sun in OrdTime

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 (31 July 2022)

“Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” (Eccl 1:2).

The formula “vanity of vanities” functions as the superlative form of the adjective “vain.” In ancient Hebrew, the superlative of an adjective or an idea is normally formed by doubling the mention of this word. This occurs because the Hebrew does not have an adverb or an adjectival form that transforms a word superlatively. The same goes with the phrase “king of kings,” i.e., the mightiest and greatest king of all (e.g., Ezra 7:12; Ezek 26:7; Dan 2:37; 2 Macc 13:4); and the title “song of songs,” i.e., the most beautiful song of all. Hence, the expression “vanity of vanities” means the vainest activity on earth. Apparently, the sage underscores that the vainest thing that could ever happen is what follows in the next chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes.

The first reading jumps to the end of chapter 2 of the book. Here, the sage reveals the vainest disposition that mankind can ever have in life. Accordingly, Qoheleth identifies the performance of labor even if it is done “with wisdom and knowledge and skill” (Eccl 2:21). In particular, he explains, “For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest” (vv. 22-23). By and large, what is emphasized is that workaholism leads only to discontent and unhappiness since it continues to disturb the human mind away from what causes him/her true joy and satisfaction. The sad reality is that man is enticed to work for more, believing that having more production will give gratification.

However, the opposite transpires: one becomes too conscious and preoccupied with this goal of achieving more in life to the point that peace, tranquility, and joy elude his/her life.

The late US president Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Too much comparison of one’s achievements with another can indeed motivate another to work for more. However, for the larger part, it brings unwanted pressure to the agent to deliver and succeed. Qoheleth provides everyone with a reality check: What do all these material glory and fame bring?

In the final analysis, they stand as the vainest goal for a human person.

The word used by the Sage is hebel, which literally means “breath” but “by extension [can mean] something with no substance, meaningless, worthlessness, vanity” (cf. Kohlenberger/Mounce Hebrew Lexicon). The idea of breath is probably used to describe material wealth in order to highlight its transient nature; indeed, nobody is ever guaranteed with material security given the vicissitudes of human living. One can be rich now, but may be poor tomorrow because of a commercial crisis, a serious personal or family problem, a bodily sickness, a pandemic, or a war. Furthermore, an economic affluence does not assure that one would be happy in life; there are many rich persons who live unhappily despite living in kingly pleasures. On the flipside, most poor people can find lasting joy even though many of their needs are unsatisfied. Finally, nobody can bring wealth in the afterlife. All creatures of God are one and the same at the end of human existence, having merely his/her soul left to face the Creator.

May we, then, heed to the call of the Sage of shunning too much material ambition.

- Rex Fortes, CM