Are we placing our trust in God, or in the idols of power, opinion, and self-reliance? In today's homily, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, reminds us that on the danger of modern idolatry; not only in worshiping material things, but in placing our trust in power, institutions, opinions, or ourselves instead of God. Drawing from the Gospel, he explained that Jesus confronted those who manipulated religion for their own authority, reminding us that faith is not something we reshape to fit our preferences. When people reject God's truth, they often create their own narratives, just as Christ Himself was falsely accused, dismissed, and rejected for proclaiming the truth.
Fr. Mark also challenged Catholics to courageously pursue the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Referring to historical examples of institutional wrongdoing and cover-ups, he emphasized that darkness always seeks to remain hidden, but truth cannot be extinguished. He warned that dismissive labels and cancel culture can become mechanisms that discourage honest investigation and keep wrongdoing in the shadows instead of bringing it into the light.