It is I who deal death and give life. — Deuteronomy 32:39

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 28:1-10 / Matthew 19:23-30 

Not a God 

In the first reading today, an important truth is emphasized, “you are man, not a god.” The philosopher Jean Paul Sartre said that every human being has the desire to be God. Adam and Eve thought they knew better than God and thus was born the original sin which is replayed in every sin. Every time we choose some lesser good over love of God, we say through our actions, “I’m God. I decide what is good and what is evil. My will be done.” 

Although I often forget, today’s reading reminds me that I’m just a man, not a god. I can no more determine what is good or evil than I can force the sun to rise. Forgetting this causes great misery for everybody. 

Prayer: Dear God, help me to remember today that You, and You alone, are God.