It is Foolish to Think There is No God

Friday, 17 November 2023. Read Wisdom 13:1-9, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 17:26-37

“For all men who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature, and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know him who exists, nor did they recognise the craftsman while paying heed to his works.” (Wisdom 13:1)

In today’s world, there are a lot of people who do not believe in the existence of God. In Nigeria, that number is speedily increasing. Given the hardship faced by the population as a result of our greedy leaders, many turned to religion for a solution, only to fall into the hands of charlatans – wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Do not be deceived; there is no miracle money when you don’t work and no miracle job when you never submitted your application or are not qualified. Giving all you have as seed in the church will not multiply your riches. The church is not an investment centre. If you desire to make money, the church is not for you. Jesus did not replace the Government; He came to lead us to heaven. Jesus fed the hungry twice, but it was only to lead them to the Eucharist.

On the other hand, some consider themselves too enlightened and too wise to believe in God’s existence. I recently saw an interview of a little boy who said his mother, not God, created him. For him, since God has never done anything for him, then there is no God. Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us it is foolish to think there is no God. Merely looking around us tells us that without the work of an intelligent being, there would be no order in nature.

St. Paul adds: “For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. Ever since the world's creation, his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been perceived in the things made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-21).

In our Gospel passage, Jesus teaches us that we do not know the day or the hour when we will be called to give an account of our lives. Just as it is foolishness to deny God’s existence, it is foolishness to ignore God’s instructions. Living as if your life belongs to you (and you can do whatever you like) is foolish.

Saint of the Day: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Born in 1207 at Presburg, Hungary, to King Andrew of Hungary. As a princess, she married Prince Louis of Thuringia at 13. She built a hospital at the foot of the mountain where her castle stood and tended to the sick herself. Her family and courtiers opposed this, but she insisted she could follow only Christ’s teachings. Once, when she was taking food to the poor and sick, Prince Louis stopped her, but when he looked under her mantle, the food had miraculously transformed into roses.

Upon the death of Louis, Elizabeth sold all that she had and worked to support her four children. She never stopped feeding the poor and donating to charities. She is the patron of bakers. She is also the patron against in-law problems, the death of children, and toothache.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant me divine wisdom. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious. Bible Study: Wisdom 13:1-9, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 17:26-37).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu