Hundreds and thousands of Israelites were repeatedly destroyed because of their sins (see 1 Cor 10:8-10; Nm 25:1-9; 14:37). Their basic sin was idolatry, and a significant part of this sin was their craving for the food of slavery. They wanted meat, fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, garlic (Nm 11:4-5), grain, figs, grapes, and pomegranates (Nm 20:5). The Israelites were disgusted with the "wretched" food God gave them (Nm 21:5). They complained about the manna God miraculously gave them each day for free.

Is an inordinate desire for food contributing to the sin of idolatry in your life? Ezekiel prophesied: "They shall not be allowed to satisfy their craving or fill their bellies, for this has been the occasion of their sin" (Ez 7:19). Paul spoke of people who "will end in disaster! Their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame" (Phil 3:19). He was talking about "enemies of the cross" (Phil 3:18), "those who are set upon the things of this world" (Phil 3:19). Paul warned us to avoid the company of those who cause dissension and scandal through deception and flattery (Rm 16:17-18). "Such men serve, not Christ our Lord, but their own bellies" (Rm 16:18). "My little children, be on your guard against idols" (1 Jn 5:21), including the idol of food.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 23, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 1998