The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Benedict, abbot

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10
Matthew 9:32-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I’m afraid that we may often be inclined to read Holy Scripture as if it’s just a collection of interesting stories, somewhat instructive perhaps, for the people of the time, but of little relevance for us. Take for instance, today’s reading from Hosea about the infidelity of the Israelites of the Northern Kingdom.

Isn’t it ridiculous that they would worship a golden calf? Indeed it is ridiculous, but what does that have to do with us, with me? I’m not substituting the worship of God for some inanimate silly “thing,” or am I? Isn’t an attachment to anything for its own sake making a little idol out of it, giving it more attention and value than it rightfully deserves?

In that context there are numerous opportunities and indeed many instances where we worship false gods, giving them more importance than the worship of the One True God. For us it is an insidious encroachment of “things” into our lives that take up our time, take up our energy, take up the place that worship of God, the Creator of all things, deserves. Maybe we don’t have any images of “grass-eating bulls” that fascinate us, but certainly we have equally worthless things that have become our idols.

Let us pray that we may remain faithful, giving to God the praise and glory due to Him, worshipping Him alone and no strange god.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)