Amy Ekeh, Director of Little Rock Scripture Study, makes some observations on The Book of Ecclesiastes, which many who study scripture can connect to, especially her comment that this book “May not be the book to read when you are having a really bad day.” One of the better-known verses from Ecclesiastes is our reflection verse for today: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” Amy writes that the word “vanity” is the typical English translation of the Hebrew word hebel, which means “vapor” or “breath.” The word is used 38 times in the Book of Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting and even futile nature of life. I have often found this book to voice how I feel about life at times, giving me a “permission” of sorts, as Fr. Ron Rolheiser writes, to not only be okay feeling that way but also to “pray in honesty out of that space.” Amy says a stark realism is written down and poured out on the sacred page: “That is why I don’t find it strange that the Book of Ecclesiastes found its way into the canon. I don’t think the ideas we read here mean that life really is hebel, or futile. I don’t think the author’s own uncertainty about the afterlife means that we need to be uncertain. But this book allows us to express our frustrations and fears, and it comforts us. It allows us to have dark moments and say, ‘I don’t get it’ and ‘It isn’t fair.”‘ It allows us to read and say, ‘I’m not sure either’ and ‘What is death, really?’ If nothing else, this special book reminds us that opening scripture always begins a conversation with God. We can express every emotion, ask every question, and enter into every mystery. And when we enter into the very honest and very human ideas we find in the Book of Ecclesiastes, we can be assured that our God understands and responds: ‘I hear you, my people. Keep talking to me.'”