Fr. Bill's Weekly Message
for 9/6/98
Dear Parishioners:
What, if anything, does God hate? He has told us at
least seven things in Proverbs; There are six things that Yahweh hates,
seven that His soul abhors: a haughty look, a lying tongue, hands that
shed innocent blood, a heart that weaves wicked plots, feet that hurry
to do evil, a false witness who lies with every breath, a man who sows
dissension among brothers (Proverbs 6:14-19).
The haughty look is based on a pride-filled assessment
of one's importance. It assumes that God has little to do with the
accomplishments in one's life. God says we are made in His image and likeness,
but the haughty look says, "I am made in my own image."
Obviously a lying tongue is a sin God abhors because
He is Truth itself. A lie is against the very nature of God. Lying
is one thing God cannot do. If God could lie, He would not be God because
HE would no longer be Truth. Most of the time the lies are not major
untruths, but more a coward's way out of an embarrassing question such
as, "How do I look?" We know the truth, but we don't want to hurt the other
so we lie about their looks. In the long run, I'm not sure we don't hurt
the other more by our little white lie.
Today's world sees so much innocent blood shed for
the sake of convenience and ease. Abortion on demand has made the womb
the most dangerous place for a new child. We have arrived at a point where
even the discussion of this form of child abuse is often out of bounds
for decent company. So much of this destruction is done in the name of
choice. Choice is not the issue. The choice is the issue. The Lord abhors
this choice. There are many examples of this crime against God. Abortion
happens to be a most egregious example of killing the innocent.
We know that those who weave wicked plots sow the
seeds of deceit and destruction. This particular crime against God
shows the abuse of one's intellect by using a gift for goodness as a tool
for evil. Premeditation gives each of us the time to think matters through
before they are committed. When we have the time to change our plans and
do not avail ourselves of it, we show a true disregard for God whose providence
sees to the very end of time.
Feet that hurry to do evil show another facet of premeditation.
Why would anyone hurry to do evil? We were made for love, goodness, peace.
Hurrying to do evil denies our basic place in God's plan. We go against
Him from our first step in hurrying to do evil.
False witnesses violate a commandment which God
knows is necessary for proper living together. We are not made for individualist
living, but for living in communion. This type of lying destroys others'
good name and reputation.
Sowing dissension among the brothers destroys families,
breaks up the Church, etc. God is persons in communion. Dissension
breaks the unity of the body and thus gives a false image of God. Dissension
makes getting to the fullness of heaven even more difficult.
Proverbs is a great book of Scripture. It would behoove
each us to read this collection of wisdom.
God bless,
Return to Index of Fr. Bill's Letters
Return to STM Home Page
Go To Catholic Links Page
E-Mail
for/about the STM website