Without love everything is in vain

On Sunday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the beginning of the book of Ecclesiastes (1:1-18) entitled "All is vanity". Our treasure, which follows, is from the chapters On Charity by Saint Maximus the confessor, abbot. Saint Maximus was a fifth century bishop of Turin, a city in northwest Italy famous for the shroud of Turin being kept in the cathedral there. Saint Maximus was a theological writer "who made a great contribution to the spread and consolidation of Christianity in northern Italy". Saint Maximus may best be described as a zealous and effective pastor of souls. In the face of rising spiritual and political threats, Saint Maximus charged his congregation to remain steadfast in trusting the Lord and he succeeded in obtaining their support. Saint Maximus is the author of numerous discourses delivered to the people by the saint, consisting of 118 homilies, 116 sermons, and 6 treaties. Several hundred of these writings are still in existence. He died in 465. St. Maximus the Confessor here makes clear the nature of true charity or love of God (one of the theological virtues) and affirms that it is not by faith alone that we secure our salvation, but also by a positive act of love of God and expressed in generosity and good works, particularly in long-suffering service to our neighbor. 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.