For what it is worth, "shadow's shadow; a world of shadows" will pass

Readers will forgive the momentary emergence.

I have lately observed that there is an increasing frustration with "wokeness," political correction, and general "misbehaving," to put the last term lightly. I have seen this with friends, family, colleagues, and comparative strangers. 

It is important to put things in their proper place, and understand them for what they are. It would be an injustice to do otherwise. At the same time, it is wise to recall the following:

"A shadow's shadow, he tells us, a shadow's shadow; a world of shadows! How is man the better for all this toiling of us, here under the sun? Age succeeds age, and the world goes on unaltered. Sun may rise and sun may set, but ever it goes back and is reborn. Round to the south it moves, round to the north it turns; the wind, too, though it makes the round of the world. goes back to the beginning of its round at last. All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea never grows full; back to their springs they find their way, and must be flowing still. Weariness, all weariness, who shall tell the tale? Eye looks on unsatisfied; ear listens, ill content." (Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, R. Knox Version)

Speaking of verse 2, St. Jerome had the following to say:

If all things that God made are truly good then how can all things be considered vanity, and not only vanity, but even vanity of vanities?  Just as Song of Songs means a song that stands out from amongst all songs, so we see that in "vanity of vanities" the degree of vanity is shown.  It is also written similarly in Psalm 38.6: "Nevertheless every living man is vanity."  If living man is vanity then a dead man must be vanity of vanities.  We read in Exodus that Moses' face is glorified so much that the children of Israel are not able to see him[8].  Paul the apostle said that his glory was not really glory when compared to the glory of righteousness: "For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth." [9]  We are therefore able to say that even we in this respect, heaven, earth, the seas and all things that are contained within its compass can be said to be good in themselves, but compared to God they are nothing.  And if I look at the candle in a lamp and am content with its light, then afterwards when the sun has risen I cannot discern anymore what was once bright; I will also see the light of the stars by the light of the setting sun, so in looking at the world and the multitudinous varieties of nature I am amazed at the greatness of the world, but I also remember that all things will pass away and the world will grow old, and that only God is that which has always been.  On account of this realisation I am compelled to say, not once but twice: Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.  Instead of "vanity of vanities" the Hebrew text reads 'abal abalim' which all manuscripts excepting that of the Septuagint translate similarly in Greek as atmos atmidon or atmon which we are able to translate as 'a breath' and 'a light wind which is quickly dispersed'.  In this way it is shown to be vain and in no way universal by this phrase.  For those things which seem to be temporal, in fact are; but those which do not are eternal.  Or since that which will give rise to vanity has been exposed, he groans and is anxious and awaits the revelation of the sons of God, and "now we know in part, and we prophesy in part" [10].  All things are and will be vain, until we find that which is complete and perfect.

In short, all the things of this world - even the good - are nothing compared to God. He and His Kingdom alone are eternal.

Readers, do not lose heart. Evil does seem to surround us in our day. But it was always thus. In past ages, evil surrounded its denizens as well. Each age has had its troubles. In the same vein, each age has had its good bits too. It was always thus there too. Nature, good friendships, edification from others, are just a few of these good bits in our day.

Alas, even the good things fade. Nature withers. Good friendships end. Edification passes us by.

So too it is with evil.

The Jews of old, while awaiting the Messiah, looked with anticipation towards His coming. For them, the past was not something to look back on with nostalgia, or "as better days." It was the future that was to be better. Thus, for those Jews who remembered the Scriptures, the promise of God as Messiah was the force that kept them hopeful. All things, evil and good, were pale in comparison to this promise. 

The Preacher hints at this throughout Ecclesiastes. While the "[e]ye looks on unsatisfied; ear listens, ill content," still hope remains. Things will be set right, with respect to both the good and evil, with the coming of the Messiah. Indeed it was, and continues to be.

This madness, to use the term, will end. So, too, will the goodness. God and His Kingdom alone are the constant. Trust in Him.

With thanks to "The Creed in Slow Motion" by Rev. Knox, for its words on the Jewish view of history.