Weekly HOMILY for March 25, 2007: False Gods

March 25, 2007 was “Deacon Preaching Weekend.” The following is the homily that was to be preached on Friday, March 16, 2007 but wasn’t because of the ice storm.

Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Year 1
Our Lady of Grace
March 16, 2007

False Gods
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato


False God’s Today

Homilies and spiritual writing about false gods routinely point out that we don’t blow down before a golden calf these days.

Our false gods are pleasure, power, money, and – uh-uh – work, especially success and “getting ahead” as a result of our work.

Even secular sources warn about becoming trapped on the corporate ladder.

Working overtime or seeking a promotion can begin to feel like treason + betrayal of God, one’s family, and one’s true self.


Scripture and Evangelists

A line in Hosea this evening seems to express just that: “We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’ to the work of our hands.

You will find more than one televangelist proclaiming that God is itching to make you successful, prosperous, and even wealthy.

The only reason this hasn’t happened yet is that you do not fully believe it. Pump up your faith and soon you can buy that Hummer y ou’ve been eying. Is there any truth to that?

After all, Psalm 90 prays, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands”


Catholic Spirituality

Does this go up against the spirituality of the cross?

Is it Christian faith compromised and infected by the lure of the world?

As usual, the truth lies in the middle and centers on doing the will of God.

Mother Teresa herself once said, “If it’s God’s will that you live in a mansion, fine; just be very sure it’s God who put you there.”

We need to do what we are called to do, give it our best effort, continually take it to God in prayer for evaluation and discernment, and then accept the results.

If we find success, how can we use it to help others?

If we experience setbacks, are they signs that God wants us to switch gears or modify our goals?

Or does God want us to have faith and continue the course?


Conclusion

Only sincere, open-hearted prayer will lead us to the answer.