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The idols or 'golden calves' which many people worship today, are their own selfish opinions, often contrary to the Church's teachings, their lack of reverence towards God, their neglect of penance and prayer, and the neglect of the ordinary duties of their state of life.

Just as the ancient people of God made an idol of a golden calf, so many people today make an idol of their private opinions, neglecting God's law, or they lack reverence in church, neglect prayer and penance, and disregard the duties of their state of life - loving their own will instead of the Will of God.

There are streets full of houses where people who look within them see little art and hear little music: two of the great gifts received by human beings from God. God forbade imagery long ago, only to deter ancient people from idolatry. Since He gave us Christ - His own 'living image', Christians have rightly used art as a means of inspiring and educating fellow human beings.

In ancient times, when God gave the Commandments to Moses, God forbade the making of images. He was helping a primitive people to turn away from idolatry. But ever since the living, invisible God has revealed to the world His Son Jesus Christ, the 'living image' of the Father, Christians have rightly used imagery to inspire and educate fellow human beings.

We must not become turned in on ourselves. There are some jobs in which it is difficult to avoid becoming 'me-centered', focused upon either more money or more praise or greater fame, for example, as bankers look for greater profit, athletes work for more medals, and actors yearn to be the greatest star. It is dangerous to forget about God or about people close to oneself, in self-idolatry.

God looks on with joy when people treasure their families, and treasure their heritage - which means their good traditions, memories, artefacts, cultural specialities and stories, though excluding what is evil, scandalous, or unwise, and not revering family practices to the point of idolatry.

Earthly idols have sometimes been so glorious as to make men tremble with awe - yet the glory of Almighty God is a million times greater. How important it is, that we sinful creatures show reverence and love towards God. Christ, the Son of God, looks with kindness upon all who approach Him or His Father in sincere prayer; yet it is reverent souls who are invited to enjoy intimacy with God.

Some people spend their lives in misguided loyalty. Some give their hearts' affection and loyalty to stuffed toys, and others, to the dogs which take up so much of their time. Others not only love but idolise one human being, but a person whom they desert, however, when the person no longer pleases them. But if we give our hearts to God, His love never ceases, betrays, grows weary, but is always tremendous, constant, tender, patient and healing.

People are unwise, who are not content with the teachings of the Church, and ordinary devotions, and who run after spiritual marvels, secrets, reported apparitions and miracles, ignoring the judgement of Bishops. Satan can make 'idols', which means false apparitions so enticing that he leads people away from Christ's Way. Satan can manipulate people and circumstances in order to damage souls and try to ruin the Church.