Even the best and the smartest

In one of the Gospels last week, we heard about a terrible thing done by a man because of his relationships and his desires.

That was King Herod Antipas and it easy to say, “Well, he was a bad man.”

In today’s first reading (1 Kings 11:4-13), we hear about a terrible thing done by a GOOD man (indeed, a very wise man) because of his relationships and his desires.

That was King Solomon: leader of the People of God and builder of the Temple of the Lord.

Even he fell.

We sin, but God forgives and His forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is infinite.

As we confront our sinful selves, we should neither despair nor be presumptuous.

Rather we must always keep watch over our own hearts, minds, words, and actions, asking God for the grace to keep us from any step that would divert us from following Him and that would take us down the path of sin.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.