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The idols or 'golden calves' which many people worship today, are their own selfish opinions, often contrary to the Church's teachings, their lack of reverence towards God, their neglect of penance and prayer, and the neglect of the ordinary duties of their state of life.
Just as the ancient people of God made an idol of a golden calf, so many people today make an idol of their private opinions, neglecting God's law, or they lack reverence in church, neglect prayer and penance, and disregard the duties of their state of life - loving their own will instead of the Will of God.
There are some souls who drift towards disaster. Though outwardly pious they abandon God through their self-will, disobedience and neglect of people in their care.
A person who is too preoccupied with his own interests - even good things - and who does not listen to those who deserve his love and loyalty, is like a swimmer with a snorkel who chooses to cut himself off from his friends nearby.
People in television programmes are pictured 'before' and 'after', as they learn social skills. How many of God's own people strive to grow in charity, courtesy, self-control, knowledge and gratitude, so that they might be at ease, mingling with Saints and Angels in Heaven?
People in television programmes are pictured 'before' and 'after', as they learn social skills. How many of God's own people strive to grow in charity, courtesy, self-control, knowledge and gratitude, so that they might be at ease, mingling with Saints and Angels in Heaven?
If we put our trust in Christ our Saviour, even in difficulties, it's as if we are speeding ahead on a clear road to holiness. If we try to do our own will, not God's, we are bound to make unwise decisions, steer badly, get into trouble, and even damage other lives.
It is a terrible moment, when a person who dies meets God, and admits that he had been put on earth to love and serve God, and find true joy in Him, yet had spent most of his life totally ignoring God, and His Son, and His Church, and His wishes.
Any priest who offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, yet rushes away to fulfil his own selfish plans, or to continue a sinful lifestyle, moves as if from Heaven to Hell in a few minutes, leaving the 'Heaven' which is Christ's Real Presence to the 'hell' which is human life when the 'door' has been shut to God.
We might sometimes question the wisdom of surrendering to God's Will, when we imagine our own plans are good. Yet His plan for us is always best: so great, eventually, that it's as if, in following His Will, we have accepted a life with a King in His Coronation Coach, even when we had not expected such goodness.
Anyone who guides people on a difficult journey must point out the dangers and offer sensible rules of behaviour. A captain must advise against risky behaviour on a ship. Christ has warned us about the risks of sinning, of ignoring Him to lead selfish lives.
When a person lives only to satisfy his appetites, and even treats a child with disdain and cruelty, it is as though he is separated from God by hundreds of miles of impenetrable cloud. It would take a miracle of grace to touch his heart and soul, and change him.
When a man lives only to satisfy his own appetites, and even treats a child with cruelty, he needs a miracle of grace, if he is to be changed and one day to be ready for Heaven, not Hell - to live amongst the Saints and Angels.
When a person lives only to satisfy his appetites, and even treats a child with disdain and cruelty, it is as though he is separated from God by hundreds of miles of impenetrable cloud. It would take a miracle of grace to touch his heart and soul, and change him.
When a man lives only to satisfy his own appetites, and even treats a child with cruelty, he needs a miracle of grace, if he is to be changed and one day to be ready for Heaven, not Hell - to live amongst the Saints and Angels.
There are many children who, left to themselves, make foolish or selfish decisions about their behaviour; for example, many choose to watch pornography on their computers instead of doing their school-work. Yet Christ is at work, by His grace, calling back each one to find lasting joy and fulfilment.
We are right to do penance for our sins, especially in the season of Lent. But if we fail in our efforts, we must not become despondent. Our Divine Saviour, Who can forgive the most evil acts of a repentant sinner can certainly forgive us, if by carelessness or greed we act to indulge ourselves in little ways.
It would please God if every Catholic would do what Pope Saint Pius X did, in that he loved to give glory to God by doing His Will, and worked to save souls. In every type of vocation we can give glory to God and save souls by our faithfulness and love, fulfilling the Father's Will not personal satisfaction.
Pope Pius X fought bravely against heresy, Christ said. It would be wonderful, the Lord said, if everyone could do what this Saintly Pope has done, and decide to fulfil the Father's Will, for His glory, and to save souls, rather than seeking personal satisfaction. It is sad that many Catholics criticise that Pope's life and works, and want to overturn the Church's teachings, even on moral issues.
There is no greater way of showing love and honour towards God than by sincerely saying to Him: "What would you like me to do?" meaning "Here I am Lord; I come to do Your Will, not to fulfil my ambitions". God's Will includes the fulfilment of the duties of our state of life - out of love for Him and for His for our Saviour.
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