riches to rags
"I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon's grasp and will give you ten of the tribes." —1 Kings 11:31
Solomon was the wisest man in the world. He built the temple to be the eighth wonder of the world. He was so wealthy as to attract worldwide recognition. His subjects expected Solomon to lead Israel into the international prominence prophesied of the Davidic dynasty. However, that was dramatically changed.
"The Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon's grasp' " (1 Kgs 11:31). Solomon's kingdom was soon divided and his descendants left with one tribe of Israel (1 Kgs 11:32). What happened? Solomon sinned. He fell into idolatry and put other things ahead of God. He put his wives and concubines ahead of God, and his heart was turned away from the Lord (1 Kgs 11:2-3).
You are greater than Solomon. The least born into Christ's kingdom is greater than he (Mt 11:11). God has called you to inherit an eternal dynasty. By sinning, will you ruin your future and eternity? Or will you receive your promised inheritance? Repent. Go to Confession. Resist sin even "to the point of shedding" your own blood (Heb 12:4).
Prayer: Jesus, may I die rather than commit any sin.
Promise: "He said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (that is, 'Be opened!') At once the man's ears were opened; he was freed from the impediment, and began to speak plainly." —Mk 7:34-35
Praise: St. Scholastica gave up her worldly wealth in order to grow rich in the treasures of God's kingdom.
Reference: (To help you resist sin this coming Lent, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 16, 2005
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