The more the Israelites prospered, the more they slipped into idolatrous worship, setting up altars and pillars dedicated to false gods (Hos 10:1). Isn't that like us? We delude ourselves into thinking that once we strike it rich, we'll give God His share of our attention. However, this is self-deception. We've inherited a fallen nature, warped by original sin. Our flesh is never satisfied; it always wants more. The more we have, the more we want for ourselves, and the less time we have for God. "If you live according to the flesh, you will die" (Rm 8:13).

Our fallen nature cannot be tamed. The flesh always rebels against the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:17). Thus we can never accommodate the flesh, for its tendency is at enmity with God and cannot please Him (Rm 8:7-8). If the flesh could be tamed and improved, wouldn't Jesus have simply taught us how to do that? Jesus is the Way (Jn 14:6), and His way is to crucify the flesh. Jesus "suffered in the flesh" (1 Pt 4:1), was crucified, rose from the dead, and defeated the flesh forever.

Through Baptism, Jesus has crucified our fallen nature and shares His divine nature with us (2 Pt 1:4). When we live our Baptism, we live in the Spirit, Who fights against our flesh (Gal 5:17). Each day, take up your cross (Lk 9:23) and live your Baptism. Crucify your "flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). With St. Paul, proclaim: "I have been crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:19).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 20, 2016

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