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Friday, November 14, 1997

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Wisdom 13:1-9
Psalm 19
Luke 17:26-37

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"damned fool?"

"All men were by nature foolish." —Wisdom 13:1

All people are naturally fools — foolish enough to worship creations rather than the Creator or even adore the works of human creatures (see Wis 13:3ff; Rm 1:25). We all are by nature so foolish as to be spiritually blind hypocrites who lose touch with reality (Mt 24:17ff). A certain man had "blessings in reserve for years to come," and was relaxing, eating heartily, drinking well, and enjoying himself (Lk 12:19-20). To this man, Jesus said: "You fool!" Masses of people will be so foolish as to conduct "business as usual" without acknowledging God on the last day of this earth (see Lk 17:26ff). These fools will be damned fools.

We all are naturally fools, and fools are definitely doomed. We are in an impossible situation. We need the Savior. We need supernatural wisdom. "God it is Who has given you life in Christ Jesus. He has made Him our Wisdom and also our Justice, our Sanctification, and our Redemption" (1 Cor 1:30). In a world of fools, Christ is "the Power of God and the Wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:24).

"Do not act like fools" (Eph 5:15). Join the wise men and women of all times. Prostrate yourself in homage before Jesus (Mt 2:11). Give Him your gifts. Give Him your life totally, forever, and now.

Prayer:  Father, give me faith to pray for wisdom without doubting (Jas 1:5-6).

Promise:  "Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it; whoever loses it will keep it." —Lk 17:33

Praise:  The Thornton's decided to stop having children after their third child was born. The Weaver's invited them to their small Christian community. Jesus renewed their faith, and now they have seven children.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997