The greatest amount of websites, on the Internet, are pornography sites. A sad but true fact that what should be an instrument to communicate, interchange ideas, explore culture, science, art, and lead to educating peoples, is bogged in a desecration of human sexuality. Where are we as a culture when we would rather engage in momentary gratification, at a base level, than to expand our hearts and minds. Of course this is part of a larger post modern problem which looks to equate the needs and concerns of the world with our own selves.
The Gospel today offers a Parable in which Jesus suggests that we break out of a mode of foolishness, in which we act to respond to our selfish needs, rather than seek values and virtues which build up our own worth and dignity, all the while we embrace the needs of others. When I was at St. Margaret Mary Parish I used to do home blessings. Many of the new homes in that area, in 1987, were in the mid 200s range. In one home in particular I remember there was very little furniture, a BMW and Jeep Grand Cherokee in the garage, and two very nervous looking adults. Having nice stuff certainly was not making them happy.
In the Epistle today St. Paul muses on the reality that in baptism we exist in a 'new life' with Christ Jesus. The challenge of our faith is to worship at the mountain of the Lord. Christians are called to be counter-cultural. Anxiety, despair, the various hurts and anger, all come from attaching ourselves to a 'cotton-candy' mentality, whereas we want more and more of the sweet stuff; yet we are never filled up. St. Paul would suggest that the virtues of charity, chastity, understanding, meekness, forgiveness, and patient endurance, lends us meaning and strength in life.
Pope Francis has confounded many in the secular press as he seeks to live by a simpler, more Christ-like venue. This has been basic to the Church for 2,000 years. Respect and responsibility for human life, especially the poor, dignity, and a virtuous life. Seek the Kingdom of God.
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