"We say also that the Word, who is the first-birth of God...Jesus Christ, our Teacher, was crucified and died, and rose again, and ascended into heaven"
- St. Justin Martyr

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Sullied Gospel

If you ever "channel-surf," you have probably seen some  Evangelical preachers talk about "The Gospel of Prosperity." This means that God intends for all who believe in Jesus Christ to become materially wealthy. All you have to do, as a believer, is send the preacher an amount of money. "When you give, you receive from God a hundredfold!" This is the motto of most TV preachers. Unfortunately, this false gospel has been creeping into the Catholic Church. Some priests borrow this motto from their televangelist counterparts. The Gospel of Prosperity is today's Indulgence Abuse. In the 1500's, some within the Church decided to sell indulgences, which would be considered the sin of simony. Today, many Christians are selling Jesus Christ Himself, and at a cheap price! Let us remember the words of Our Lord, " If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Lord Jesus, help us to repent for our avarice and seek only You, for whoever has you, even if they are materially poor, has everything they need. Lord, give us the strength to carry our crosses daily and follow you up to Calvary, where you suffered for our redemption. Let us seek to be humble and not seek our own wealth. Let the purpose of our lives be to glorify you in all we do.   Amen.

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