Homilies Not Horoscopes

“Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions through the hypocrisy of lairs with branded consciences.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

I once shared a spiritual revelation with a coworker. I told her about a time when I was a Sunday Mass and the homily fit perfectly with the status of current events in my personal life. I told her it was as if the words were targeted directly to me, meant specifically for events during that particular week.

Her response? She said everyone feels that way because sermons are a lot like horoscopes….everyone tries to relate them to themselves.

ah……wrong…..

First, homilies/sermons are nothing like horoscopes. Horoscopes should be avoided completely as they are not of God. They are superstitious in origin. On the other hand, sermons are of God. The priests are sharing and instructing us in our faith by relating scripture and holy events to our personal lives. These are heavenly inspired.

Besides horoscopes there are other similar activities that should be avoided. ‘Chain’ emails wishing you luck or good fortune if you forward the email onward is a prime example. Many of these today include a prayer, so at first glance appear harmless. Besides potentially infecting your computer with a virus these types of emails could infect your soul with superstition.

Ouija boards, fortune tellers and mediums are also all be greatly avoided. Yes, there are times in our lives when we all wish the proverbial lightening bolt would show us the way and help us make wise decisions. Putting your choices in the hands of fortune tellers is not the way. Pray for a clear decision instead. Likewise, longing for a deceased loved one may make us wish for more time together. But again, ouija boards and mediums are not the solution.

Second, each time we go to Mass we should try to apply the sermon to our life in some way. I once read that even an uninspiring speaker (in this case a priest or deacon) has something to offer. If you attentively listen you should be able to pull at least one thought or sentence out of the preachings that you can apply to your life. In fact, in the case of the monotone rambler this is a good ‘exercise’ to keep you alert and listening!

In summary, my coworker’s comments equating horoscopes to homilies is fatally wrong…fatally in reference to what is sneaky/evil VS good/pure for our souls. Even reading horoscopes ‘just for fun’ should be avoided at all costs. When you get that urge, say a quick prayer or open your Bible instead.

“Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the Lord and mediates on His law day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2