Good Things Gone Sour

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

Yesterday's Gospel passage emphasized that sin proceeds from the intentions or "heart" of the individual rather than from the body itself. The reading from the First Book of Kings today illustrates that point rather graphically.

Solomon, like his father King David, is generally regarded as a bright light in the list of the Israelite kings. However, today's reading points out that Solomon also demonstrated the weaknesses of his father. In this case, Solomon strays from the path of righteousness be allowing idolatry into the House of Israel through his many foreign wives. Later on in Israel's history, the prophets would warn against intermarriage for Jewish men and women. That prohibition may stem from the fact that the many wives of Solomon brought with them the cult of many of the Middle Eastern gods and goddesses. By the time of his death, Solomon had allowed temples and sacred groves to be built for these idols. The first and second of the Ten Commandments warn against this very thing. Worshiping other gods was likened to an adulterous relationship in the writings of the classical prophets.

I don't remember where I read it, but one author maintains that the first effect of "original sin" was the tendency for all good things to eventually go sour. This is certainly the case with King Solomon.

Our faith in God and God's providential care for us must be absolute. Following the dictates of God's Law is our way of affirming our faith in God and in His Son Jesus. By obedience we learn of God's wisdom and God's love for all.