Brothers and sisters:
I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.
The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.
For I do not do the good I want,
but I do the evil I do not want.
Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me.
So, then, I discover the principle
that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.
For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self,
but I see in my members another principle
at war with the law of my mind,
taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
Miserable one that I am!
Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. ROM 7:18-25
Sound familiar? ”A war with the law of my mind.” Our minds are where the battle begins. God and the Devil are always next to each other. The more good you do, prepare for a greater battle. Holy Trinity, Mary, Joseph, St. Michael, Guardian Angel, and all the angels and saints protect us and help us fight! Give us hope, grace, love and mercy so we can fight the good fight. God gave us spiritual powers to join the fight, intellect, will, and memory. Don’t go to places that have been an occasion of sin. Your eyes are the window to your soul, keep them on heavenly things. Take time away from electronics if they are causing you to sin. Spend time with family and friends. Use your intellect to battle with God’s grace.
Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.” LK 12:54-59
Jesus teaches us to use our intellect to read the Scriptures and His Word. He wants us to use human reasoning like we do to read the signs of the weather. He wants us to realize His Word is living and effective through all ages. God the Holy Spirit is present in us since we are baptized. Jesus is fully alive in the Eucharist. God is everywhere all of the time. We have to stop and recognize this in each person and in each blessing. Jesus is trying to teach His followers today that the Truth is right in front of them. God is preaching to them in the flesh about the Father’s plan of salvation for them. All of the signs and actions have taken place. Jesus came to the earth, died, resurrected, and ascended. We are waiting for His return. Will He find us joyfully waiting. There are no more signs, the Scriptures, Baptism (God’s life in us), and the Eucharist are God with us until He returns. Drink deeply from the Scriptures, sit in silence and listen especially in the front of the tabernacle or monstrance (Adoration), and go to Mass daily if possible.
Today’s challenge: Avoid the near occasion of sin. Your memory will tell you where you commit most of your sin. Avoid it by turning off all electronics and praying or going to a different place and praying.
Become a saint!
Christian YOLO
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