Monsignor Pope Ping!
Re: “One of the paradoxes of our time (at least in the West) is that we have so many creature comforts yet in many ways have never been so uncomfortable.”
I’m not “uncomfortable.”
I’m quite grateful to be living in an era when almost all human health problems are caused by dysfunctional cultures, dysfunctional governments, or self-indulgent bad behavior.
In 1800, roughly one half of human beings died before age 40.
In 1800, most people died from:
(1) Infectious disease transmitted human to human.
(2) Infectious disease related to accidents, malnutrition, contaminated water, or hypothermia.
(3) Violent death.
“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
People have lost sight of what true riches are.
Wow, is this one ever perfect timing for me!!!
Thank you for sharing this.