Solomon was the wisest man ever (1 Kgs 3:12). The queen of Sheba was so impressed with his wisdom that "she was breathless" (1 Kgs 10:5). Nevertheless, Solomon later abandoned himself "to women and gave them dominion over" his body (Sir 47:19). He brought dishonor upon his reputation, shame upon his marriage, wrath upon his descendants, and groaning upon his domain (Sir 47:20). He set the stage for a civil war (Sir 47:21). When the wisest man in the world becomes a fool and a failure, what will happen to the rest of us?

We are doomed to be damned fools. We were conceived that way. No matter how hard we try, we will fail to be free, truly happy, and fully human. We will deceive ourselves and hate ourselves. We can do nothing to help ourselves. At best, we can do partial and temporary damage control. We can merely delay total self-destruction.

However, there is hope — only one hope for the human race: Jesus. His name means "Savior." He alone can save us from our human condition — from ourselves, sin, slavery, self-hatred, Satan, and hell. Give yourself totally to Jesus, our only Hope, our only Savior.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997