There is an old saying, “If you’re climbing the ladder of success, many sure it is leaning up against the right wall.” For it is too often the case that we spend time amassing worldly treasure and success only to discover it cannot help us with our true problem, and may, in fact, have contributed to our trouble.
We find we love the world, and our hearts, which were made for God, go astray. Oh how we love the world, and its toys and trinkets.
And yet, the Scriptures say: Do not love the world or anything in the world….For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away…. (1 John 2:15-17)
In the commercial below the end of all things is upon us. The scenario is the (silly) Mayan 2012 destruction myth. However, in the midst of all this destruction four men who love a certain pickup truck get a good look at what they get for their love.
Disclaimer – Now I am not against Chevy pickups, a Chevy is fine American car. But let the truck represent our love for the world and our capacity to amass and haul this world’s goods. And in this truck many do drive.
And what is the final condition of the treasure they amass by driving this truck of the world. What do they reap, in gaining the whole world:
- A ruined world – For the form of this world is passing away (1 Cor 7:31)
- Four men and NO women! – And from daughter Zion all her beauty is departed (Lam 1:6)
- No Children – He has no offspring or descendants among his people, no survivor where once he lived (Job 18:19)
- Twinkies are the only food in evidence – They will sow wheat but reap thorns (Jer 12:13)
- And here come the frogs, even on their precious truck – Frogs will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs (Ex 8:3)
Yes, here is what the world can ultimately offer. Here is what loving the world ultimately gives.
The song says in the background: Looks like we made it. Left each other on the way, To another love.
Yes, that’s the problem isn’t it? We departed to another love. We were made for God, to love and to experience his love. We were made for heaven, and to be with God is the heart of heaven. But too easily we depart to another love. And all the while we say we’ve made it, we’ve struck it rich.
Rude awakening – The men in the commercial seem to have no idea at first of the world they have inherited. But something about the falling frogs gives them the first hint of their true condition.
Will it occur to them that they have sown in the wind and are now reaping the whirlwind? Will it occur to them that they have given their love and loyalty to a world that is doomed to destruction.
The story ends without an answer. For ultimately you and I have to give that answer. Will WE continue to love this doomed world? Or will we give our heart to God.
Somewhere, nearer than you or I imagine, God is saying:
Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. (Is 55:2-3)
Yeah, the economy came crashing down, leaving desolation in its wake, but Government Motors made sure to get theirs. But the frogs will come to tell them that they are still going to “croak.”
terrible … how could they say that about a Ford?
I agree. A priest is just as human as any one else that lives on this plenat. While his job is to promote the teachings of his faith, it does not excuse from abiding by the laws of our country. Isn’t it funny? When we read about Muslims wanting to live by Sheria law, we cringe in fear, yet when christians want to live by christian law we believe they are doing God’s work. There is no difference here. Our country has set up a legal system we all must abide by regardless of your religion or wealth. It is time we punish individuals that break the law.
I suppose if Doritos can be consecrated, then so could Twinkies…
Funny, Monsignor, one of the imagines that struck me in your “Bad Moon Rising” video was the truck stuck up in the tree. “If California should fall into the ocean, like the mystics and statistics say it will. I predict this hotel will keep standing, until I pay my bill.”–Warren Zevon, R.I.P.
It just shows that the world we love so much, can be destroyed and we deserve to be part of that destruction and live in the ugliness of its remains. Jesus says to us not to detached from Him. As long as i believe in the life He will give me, even i am still in this world, i will live in a beautiful and peaceful world. After all He was the One who created it for His Children, and i am one of them. To do otherwise, expect a world full of ugliness because we did it. Our ego taught us not to depend on God. But God in His great mercy, always give us the chance to rebuild our world. Come join us in joining Him in His outpouring of Love.