Life on earth is just like a wind and nothing more. The Bbook of Ecclesiastes puts before us an important question: "What indeed does a man/woman gain for all his toil?...All is Vanity". The earlier we know this fact, understand it, and accept it the better we are able to enjoy this precious gift of God our Creator! Things come and go...nothing is permanent, except change! An old inscription is written on a mosque in Agra (A large City in India):

 "The world is merely a bridge; you are to pass over it, not to build your dwellings upon it". Rev Fr Pichappilly added, "Greed city may be a nice place to visit, but we cannot live there forever". Hence, Life is give and take. (Just live, pray, and share with others in love). Only God's love abides forever.

Some seek happiness in chariots, some in princes, in money, in power and authority; but you can be truly happy, if only you live for/with others in love. Psalm 90 tells us, "God makes us know the shortness of our life that

we may gain wisdom of heart...In the morning, fill us with your love...give success to the work of our hands". Therefore, doing the best you can to

care for the sick, helpless, orphans, sinners, etc. brings true happiness! Matthew 5:3 says, "Happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God" (True happiness and bountiful life is in God). Only God is enough! Sing: "All I have is given to me by the Lord"/ "Anywhere He went, He was doing good; a mighty healer..."

 He/She who is not grateful is a great fool. So, don't be fooled by the things you have, be full of the presence of God, who can fulfil all your thirst.

 One of the major problems of the world today is greed. Greed is a great destroyer!!! So many people are insensitive to the needs of those around

them, leading to growth in hated and violence. People should be loved and things are to be used; but the opposite is the life experience today! Do you have little thought for your friends, the poor people, out stations, parishes,and dioceses at heart?

 Be moderate and considerate in all things. Put others first and God will replenish you bountifully. Christ did not condemn the rich man for his hard work and good harvest, but for his insensitivity to the needy around

him.

 God help us all to be charitable. Have a wonderful Sunday in advance.

 Fr Stephen Balogun

Catholic Arcdiocese of Ibadan