St. Paul tells us today that, sadly, some former Christians have become “enemies of the cross.” Instead of serving God, he says, “Their God is their stomach.”
What does St. Paul mean by that?
How can food become an idol, a false god?
God created the earth to produce food – in abundance. Food has two purposes: The first and most obvious is to nourish our bodies, to keep them healthy so that we can do the tasks God wants. The second purpose is to create bonds between people. Notice how often Jesus shared meals: with Zacchaeus and Matthew the tax collectors, with Pharisees and public sinners – and above all the Supper with his disciples the night before his death. A lot more happened at those meals than simple nourishment. Like Jesus, we should share and enjoy meals with family, friends and fellow parishioners. God uses food for important purposes… At the same time, we can misuse food, make it into a false god. That’s what St. Paul refers to when he says some have become enemies of the cross – “their god is their stomach.” Rather than eating to live, they live to eat.