The June 6 Gospel reading at Mass (Matthew 28:16-20) is fitting for today's' society: Jesus ordered them -- "Teaching them to observe all I have commanded you." So why do so many people have so many different views on faith?

The Rev. Larry Richards explains it this way. It all started when the king of all liars (the devil) told Eve that she would not die if she ate from the forbidden tree of knowledge in the garden. She would be like God. She would know what is right and wrong. And she would decide.

Today's society follows this lie to the max. It is OK to miss Mass on Sunday. Why? Because I am God, and I decide. It is OK to have sex before marriage. Why? Because I am God, and I am in love. It is OK to never go to confession and take the Eucharist with mortal sin on my soul. Why? Because I am God, and I do not think it is wrong.

As Father Larry says: "Well, guess what. God does not ask you or me for our opinion anywhere in the Bible. God said no, so it is wrong. Period. End of story."

Jesus left the Apostles here to build his church, One church. When it comes to faith and morals, the one infallible truth is there. It is our responsibility to listen and learn.

GERARD MACKE, Leopold, Mo.