April 2025 (Set your hearts on the things above!)

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Bible passages: Colossians 3:1-4, Ecclesiastes 1:2

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory.” (Col 3:1-4)

“Vanity of vanities, say the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All things are vanities! What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. The sun rises and the sun goes down; then it presses on the place where it rises. Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north, the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds. All rivers go to the sea, yet never does the sea become full, the rivers keep on going. All speech is labored; there is nothing man can say. The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear filled with hearing.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2-8)

Reflections:

In St Paul’s letter to the Colossians (Col 3:1-4), he exhorts us to set our hearts on the things which are above, to abandon the sins in our lives. He talks about a “standard” for Christian living which compares our life not with earthly wealth or values, but with a heavenly, spiritual standard set by Jesus. St Paul reminds us that our life as Christians is a life of submission to Jesus.

In Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, the writer talks about vanity of all vanities. Vanity of vanities means that everything is done in vain. It is a reminder for us that no matter what we do, accumulate, or build, we cannot bring with us when we go. The things we have done will be forgotten, and the things we built will eventually be turned to dust in the end.

Discussion Questions:

1) What do you seek and value most in your life; the treasures of this earth or the treasures of heaven?

2) Are you in control of your possessions or do your possessions control you?

3) Do you consider yourself a minimalist, a moderate or a maximalist? Do you hoard things unnecessarily? Do you find it hard or easy to let go of your belongings?

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank you for your mercy and for taking care of us at all times. Forgive me for all the vanities in my heart and all the bad ways that I may not have realized. Today I want to commit myself to be better with a heart and mind free of vanity and any kind of evil. Cleanse me from my hurt, pride, anger, jealousy, envy and every evil that rule my life.

Lord, teach me to set my heart on the things which are above and to abandon the sins in my life. Teach me to always focus in you, to let go of the things below and to trust you more and more every day.