What we did with success

Today’s first reading (Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12) is a poetic prophecy about what Israel did with success: apostasy.

Israel is a luxuriant vine
whose fruit matches its growth.
The more abundant his fruit,
the more altars he built;
The more productive his land,
the more sacred pillars he set up.
Their heart is false,
now they pay for their guilt;
God shall break down their altars
and destroy their sacred pillars.
(And) thorns and thistles shall overgrow their altars.

What have we done with success in our own lives?

Have we simply built more altars to this world’s false gods of materialism and selfish pleasures?

Sow for yourselves justice,
reap the fruit of piety;
break up for yourselves a new field,
for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain down justice upon you.