On Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes (5:9—6:8) entitled "The vanity of riches". Our treasure, which follows, is from a commentary on Ecclesiastes by Saint Jerome, priest.
Saint Jerome was born at Stridon in Dalmatia around the year 340. He studied the classical authors at Rome and was baptized there. He embraced a life of a statism and went to the East where he was ordained a priest. Returning to Rome, he became a secretary to Pope Damascus. At Rome, he began to translate the holy scriptures into Latin and to promote the monastic life. Eventually he settled in Bethlehem where he served the needs of the Church. He wrote many works, especially commentaries on holy Scripture. He died at Bethlehem in 420.
The Book of Ecclesiastes comprises an extended reflective essay employing autobiographical narrative, proverbs, parables, and allegories. An almost unrelenting skepticism characterizes the tone or outlook. The issues with which the author deals and the questions he raises are aimed at those who would claim any absolute value in this life, including possessions, fame, success, or pleasure. Wisdom itself is challenged, but folly is condemned.
