| 2008 Jul 26 Sat: Weekday/BVM Jer 7: 1-11/ Ps 83(84): 3. 4. 5-6a and 8a. 11/ Mt 13:24-30 From today's readings: "Has this house which bears My name become in your eyes a den of thieves? I too see what is being done, says the LORD.... How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!... The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field...." Is God your Genie of Invincibility? In Jeremiah's day, people took God so much for granted, that they started to consider Him their "Genie of Invincibility" - false prophets convinced the crowds that no matter what they did, the Temple of the Lord was their unconditional guarantee that almighty God would always be with them to save them and protect them from all their enemies. Such a notion was a Satanic distortion of God's covenant! God never promised that He would be at His people's beck and call, to grant their every wish, clean up their every mess, and stand at their disposal to facilitate their iniquities. Rather, the divine election of Israel created a sacred and mutual bond of Love and Responsibility between the Lord who said, "I will be your God!" and His chosen ones to whom He said, "You will be My people!" Those who refuse to recognize God's moral authority and worship other gods can hardly be considered God's people, just as a man who repudiates his native country and pledges allegiance to a foreign power can hardly claim to be entitled to the privileges of citizenship! Have you been misled by false prophets to practically consider God merely your own "genie of invincibility," who will grant your prayers and avenge your scares, relieve your cares and overlook your affairs, regardless of your own conduct? Or, have you listened to Jeremiah and the true prophets who teach that those who claim God's blessings and protection need to prove by their actions and choices that they are in fact His people? | 
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