We are created by God so that we can live for God. He gives us all that we need so that we can use our blessings to thank Him and draw close to Him. However, when the created object or person takes precedence over God, we run the risk of losing our inheritance of eternal life with Him. Eve chose to disobey the Lord and ate the forbidden fruit. Adam chose the voice of Eve over the voice of God and also ate the fruit. Both were removed from Eden. God has to be our priority and His word our ultimate guide. This truth shows that not only people, animals and material objects are subjected to God, but also our own selves. We can easily make ourselves idols when we believe that all things in life are about us and the satisfaction of everything we want or need. Almsgiving enables our detachment from possessions, prayer helps us to focus on God’s voice, and fasting curbs our appetite and builds discipline (Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18). May we learn to decrease our egos so that God can increase in our lives, and prepare ourselves for eternity with Him. Lord Jesus, may we choose to listen and respond to Your voice in our daily lives. Help us to draw close to You in this life, so as to be with You forever in the next. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061720.cfm