The Law of the Lord Is Perfect

The Law of the Lord IsPerfect

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

By Melanie Rigney

“You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; you shall not bow down before them or worship them.” (Exodus 20:3-5)

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (Psalms 19:8)

“But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13:23)

Piety

Lord, help me to trust in Your ways, for this simple servant cannot hope to understand them completely.

Study

Let’s be honest. We’ve all worshipped another god at some time in our lives. Maybe it’s the god of money or power or prestige. Maybe it’s the god of parenthood or romantic love or something material, like our dream home or that fancy car. Maybe it’s the god of public opinion or being thought of as a subject matter expert or the go-to person for your ministry. Or maybe it’s the god of self-pity and self-indulgence.

It’s no surprise that this list is starting to sound like the capital sins. The Catechism terms pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth/acedia capital sins “because they engender other sins, other vices.”

The worship of other gods can often start out simple and well intentioned. After all, we need to be good parents and ministers. We need enough money to pay our bills. It’s nice to be appreciated by the boss and co-workers. But the problem begins when those desires begin to move ahead of God on our priority list.

As Matthew notes in today’s Gospel reading, the seed that flourishes needs more than rich soil. It also needs someone who hears the word and understands it. While we may not always understand God’s ways, we all are smart enough to know when our desires begin to block what He wants. May we also be smart enough to go to Him for help as soon as we realize it’s happening.

Action

Write down everything you have to do today. Where does time for prayer and study rank? Now redo your list, starting with God instead of shoehorning Him in where you can.