The better things were for Israel financially, the more altars they built to foreign gods. The more attached we become to money and possessions, the less attached we become to Jesus. "The more productive his land, the more sacred pillars he set up" to worship in idolatry (Hos 10:1). The better our material lifestyle, the worse our spiritual life. There are exceptions to this rule, but by constantly pursuing a pleasure-seeking lifestyle, we usually let ourselves "be captured by foolish and harmful desires which drag men down to ruin and destruction" (1 Tm 6:9).

When our lives begin to fall apart, we foolishly rely even more on our worldly pleasures, the original cause of the problem. The so-called "good life" is not good but leads "to grief amid great pain" (1 Tm 6:10). God's Word says: "Break up for yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the Lord" (Hos 10:12). Repent; change your mind; renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil.

"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord: though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow" (Is 1:18). "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God. Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:2-3). "The reign of God is at hand!" (Mt 10:7)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005

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