The psychiatrist Viktor Frankl is best known for his book Man’s Search for Meaning, in which he argues that the search for meaning is the primary motivating force in human life—rather than Freud’s conviction that pleasure is our fundamental drive. At first glance, Qoheleth’s exclamation in our first reading, “All things are vanity,” might suggest that he failed in this search for meaning. His stark assessment resonates with many in our contemporary world, including those who possess the most and best of everything. This sense of meaninglessness—or vanity—is fueled both by our mortality and by the inner emptiness that can persist even in those who seem to have all that the world can offer. This stands in sharp contrast to someone like Saint Bernard, for whom creation is a kind of living text in which the attentive soul can discern the wisdom, beauty, and goodness of God. Bernard reminds us that without looking upon creation with the eyes of faith, the world around us—and our place within it—can easily appear futile, meaningless, and purposeless. Accordingly, whenever we find Qoheleth’s sentiments echoing within our own hearts, we must be attentive. Such moments may indicate that our faith is under strain and that the meaning of our existence is slipping. It is precisely then that we need to return to that faith-filled contemplative gaze which allows creation to speak of God and restores our sense of purpose and meaning in Him.