In the mirage of the desert, objects become strangely distorted. A mud bank exhibits the appearance of a magnificent city with domes and towers. A few stunted bushes are transformed into a forest of stately trees. Often we find it almost impossible to resist the illusion. Little by little we yield to the tyranny of worldly interests, to the indulgence of questionable pleasures.
Prayer becomes infrequent and unreal.
The house of God is neglected. The Scriptures lose their relish. The family altar drops stone by stone into the dust. We remember how nearly we were betrayed by appetite, passion, covetousness, and pride. The partition between the true and the false became very thin.