Msgr. Charles Pope: Our Tendency to Make Poor Decisions, as Seen in a Commercial

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By Msgr. Charles Pope, Nov. 1, 2019

The commercial in the video below pokes fun at the horror movie genre, saying, “If you’re in a horror movie, you make poor decisions. It’s what you do.” As I watched, it occurred to me that this is a pattern we also follow too easily.

The Christian version might go something like this: “When you’re a fallen creature living in a fallen world governed by a fallen angel, you make poor decisions. It’s what you do.”

Of course, the insurance company behind this clever ad wants you to stop making bad decisions by purchasing their product.

The Church wants us to stop making bad decisions, too, but the recommended solution is different. We have to be sober about our fallen human nature and recognize that our hearts are wounded. Our desires can be inordinate and unruly, and our minds are easily darkened. Living in the “horror movie” of this fallen world, we are inclined to make poor decisions. Because of this we need to seek the balm of prayer, the salve of God’s Word, and the medicine of the Sacred Liturgy and the sacraments. We must also strive to keep holy and helpful fellowship.

Don’t make poor decisions. Be sober about your tendency to do so—and take your medicine!