The book Of The Bible Ecclesiastes

The book Of The Bible Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is the Latin name for the Hebrew Qoheleth,, traditionally known as the “Teacher” and in whose name the writing Is presented. The book is dated by some scholars between 450 and 330 BCE and by others a century or two later. The hard observation of t he book is that the world is indifferent, life is monotonous, and one’s fate is inevitable. Wisdom means accepting the fact that human beings do not have control of their lives: “All is vanity” (1.2).

It means that the purpose of life can only be found in God, who alone can determine life’s course: “For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12.14). Texts from Ecciesiastes are read on Thursday through Saturday of the TwentyFifth Week of Year II. The opening verses of Ecclesiastes are also read at the Mass of the Eighteenth Sunday of the Year in CycleC..