Radical Catholicism | Back to the Basics

Man without God

In the Old Testament of the Christian Bible there is one section of the 81^st psalm that is particularly instructive for those living in the early decades of the 21^st century. It follows thusly:

 “There should be no strange gods among you
nor shall you worship any alien god.
I, the LORD, am your God
who led you forth from the land of Egypt.”
R.    I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.
“My people heard not my voice,
and Israel obeyed me not;
So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts;
they walked according to their own counsels.”
R.    I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.
“If only my people would hear me,
and Israel walk in my ways,
Quickly would I humble their enemies;
against their foes I would turn my hand.”
R.    I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice”

21^st century man is no different from the Israelites of more ancient times. Man today forsakes God as he creates his own gods, whether they be money, power, or the state. In the end all will fail him. Man will be left on his own; a condition his pride has chosen for him. Whom shall he turn to in the moments of severe distress? Certainly not to himself . Man will be left alone, to suffer alone with no hope.  Oh, the isolation and loneliness within the vast sea of human souls!

In times of severe distress will man request help from the God he so decidedly rejected? Probably not. Too bad, for God would indeed come if asked.

Do not take Life for granted, it is so very fragile

The very valuable, ancient, and beautifully designed vase was placed in a niche in the wall of the house, seemingly secure from any damage. Then a violent earthquake shook the house, dislodging the priceless vase sending it crashing into indeterminate number pieces on the floor. Despite all the precautions to secure the vase, its fragility was exposed and the vase was essentially destroyed.

The General and his colleague were contemplating their next movement in a violent confrontation with their hated opponent. Then it hit without warning, Boom! The missiles struck the car in which they were riding. All are dead. Conversing normally one day, the much beloved woman lay dying the next day from a brain Hemorrhage. In a short time, she would die. The famous athlete and friends were enjoying a pleasant trip in an aircraft, then BANG the aircraft slams into a hillside. All are dead.

Every moment of each day someone is unexpectantly expiring. Human Life is frightenly fragile. The only certainty is that our bodily life will end. For the living, the how and when is still to be determined. How do we protect ourselves from our own fragility? The answer is, despite all the precautions we can implant in our lives, since we are so very fragile, we cannot make ourselves totally impervious to all the exigencies of life. Live each day as best we can and be prepared to manage life’s fragility.

Fortunately, we can ensure that the next life will be secure, avoiding all fragility. How do we do that?  Simple….Trust God , Love God!! Prepare to meet Him!