St. Paul was very big on making sure that Christians stayed true to the faith. Here one way he put it today's first reading from Colossians 2: "See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ."
This lets us know that "empty, seductive philosophies" have been around since the beginning...of time! This is nothing new. I think most all of these "empty, seductive philosophies" actually boil down to just a few at core. Here are some that I can think of that are very popular today.
1) There is no such thing as sin. That's an antiquated notion that the Church uses to hold you down and do their bidding.
2) There is no such thing as God. God was created by man, not vice versa. Since there is no higher power, you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself. Do whatever makes you feel good!
3) Men (in the form of leaders or politicians or governments) can solve all of your problems. Put your trust in us and all will be well!
Father, help us to not fall for the empty, seductive philosophies of the world. Keep us always close to the true teachings of Christ Jesus. Amen.
Combat the empty, seductive philosophies by learning the truths of the Catholic faith with A Minute in the Church, available at www.GusLloyd.com.
1) There is no such thing as sin. That’s an antiquated notion that the Church uses to hold you down and do their bidding.
2) There is no such thing as God. God was created by man, not vice versa. Since there is no higher power, you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. Do whatever makes you feel good!
3) Men (in the form of leaders or politicians or governments) can solve all of your problems. Put your trust in us and all will be well!
Think these points in your reflection speak to the commercial being discussed today… I wrote to the people who produced it and this is what I said and I stand by it!
I am very displeased that the beautiful church music the Ave Maria ( the Hail Mary) is being used to sell noise cancelling earphones. As a Catholic of 77 years, the Ave Maria is especially sacred to me and to all who believe in the dogma that the Blessed Mother is the Mother of God who brought forth His only son, Jesus Christ. It is a powerful and beautiful tribute to our Lady. It is not a just a song, it is a prayer! I am a prime member and have been for quite a while and this is very upsetting to me – someone should have told you not to use this sacred song to sell a product. It makes no sense at all!