Although we were created to know, love, and serve God, we naturally tend to live "at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy" (Eph 2:3). Human beings tend to live like animals, whose only purpose in life is to fulfill their bodily needs. This way of life is below our human dignity. It is natural to relax, eat heartily, drink well, and enjoy ourselves (see Lk 12:19). To make this the meaning of life, however, is to deny that:

• We are made in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:26-27).
• God has exalted human dignity by becoming a human being.
• God lives in us and we in God.
• All human beings are called to receive a new nature and become God's children.
• We have been bought at the price of Jesus' blood (see 1 Cor 6:20).
• We are destined to see God face to face and live with Him forever.

Therefore, don't compromise your human and Christian dignity in order to maximize your pleasure. You are saved, holy, royal, priestly, and precious (see 1 Pt 2:9). Live in the dignity of an adopted child of God, sharing in the divine nature (2 Pt 1:4).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002