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Friday, March 12, 2021

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Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mark 12:28-34

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an idol mind?

“What more has he to do with idols?” —Hosea 14:9

As a Catholic priest, I rarely hear Christians confess that they have committed the sin of idolatry, although the Lord in the Bible refers to idolatry as one of our major temptations. Idolatry is the sin against the first of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:2ff). The prophets repeatedly prophesy against the worship of idols. The writer of the book of Wisdom makes the shocking statement: “The worship of infamous idols is the reason and source and extremity of all evil” (Wis 14:27).  St. Paul warned: “I am telling you, whom I love, to shun the worship of idols” (1 Cor 10:14). St. John abruptly concludes his first letter: “My little children, be on your guard against idols” (1 Jn 5:21).
Idolatry in our culture usually doesn’t have anything to do with strange statues or perverted religious ceremonies. Idolatry is to make someone or something more important than God (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2113). St. Paul calls greed idolatry (Eph 5:5; Col 3:5). Idolatry is to give some of our heart, soul, mind, and strength to something other than God (see Mk 12:30). This makes it impossible for us to give all to the Lord. If we’re not giving 100% to the Lord, we are automatically in idolatry.
Therefore, return “to the Lord, your God” (Hos 14:2).  “What more” have we “to do with idols?” (Hos 14:9)

Prayer:  God, You alone are my Life and my Salvation.

Promise:  “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” —Mk 12:29-30

Praise:  Once a workaholic, Roger started a lunch hour Bible study.

Reference:  

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.