My beloved ones, avoid idolatry.
I am speaking as to sensible people....
Many preachers simply dismiss the reality of others gods and fail to address the persistent challenge of polytheism.
Your boss, your teacher, government, your spouse, your children, your church: every one of them and many others believe they are gods and are infallible. They know what you should think, say, feel, and do; and believe you're a fool if you don't.
That's hyperbole, of course, but not by much.
Idolatry is surrender before any of those authorities; polytheism is acquiescence before several. Idolaters manage among all their gods, attempting to please some, placate others, and hold the rest at bay. Their lives have no focus. They can hardly begin, much less finish, anything for their gods demand immediate satisfaction.
Psalm 82 does not simply dismiss the existence of other gods. Rather, it addresses them directly:
God takes a stand in the divine council,
gives judgment in the midst of the gods.
“How long will you judge unjustly
and favor the cause of the wicked?
“Defend the lowly and fatherless;
render justice to the afflicted and needy.
Rescue the lowly and poor;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
The gods neither know nor understand,
wandering about in darkness,
and all the world’s foundations shake.
I declare: “Gods though you be,
offspring of the Most High all of you,
Yet like any mortal you shall die;
like any prince you shall fall.”
Arise, O God, judge the earth,
for yours are all the nations.
There is much discussion about the virtue and necessity of compromise. Self-proclaimed realists insists we must compromise to live in this world. "Sure, we should worship God," they say, "but we have to take care of these other demands too."
Faith insists there is only one God. At best the rest are "offspring of the Most High" and must serve the LORD.
Saint Paul urged his disciples to avoid idolatry and immediately teaches them about the cup of blessing that we bless, and the bread that we break.
Many people begin each day by attending Mass; millions begin each week at Sunday Mass. There we find the meaning and focus of our lives. If we satisfy our bosses, spouses, children etc, it's because we begin by serving the one God whom we know as Our God. If they're not satisfied, our Lord will deal with them.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.