Have we forgotten God who gave us birth and prosperity?

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth." (Deuteronomy 32: 18).

Monday 17th August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 19: 16 - 22, Jesus said:
“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions."

The rich young man represents the world today. He has built his security on material prosperity.  God's response to this pervasive attitude is in Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21, the Responsorial Psalm for today?

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth."
It seems as if the world has forgotten the Savior who died for us. Very few are thinking of following Him and even these few have not recognized Him as the Pearl of the greatest Price. The Lord's complaint continues below:

"You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you. You forgot the God who gave you birth.
When the Lord saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters."

Who dares blame God if He is full of loathing for His children?

“I will hide my face from them,” he said, and see what will then become of them.
What a fickle race they are,
sons with no loyalty in them!”

“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.”

The rich young man of today's Gospel desires eternal life but loves the present material world more. This world cannot produce the peace he hungers for. The anti-dote to his sadness is laid out clearly by Jesus:
"Come follow me and make my Kingdom your first priority and its kind of holiness. I promise you that that you will have everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

The world and the Church are today at a cross-road. Quo vadis?

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com