In today's Gospel, Our Lord tells us to wake from sleep and to
watch. We have to take time to consider what meaning our life has here
and now. As we were reminded last week on the feast of Christ the
King, Jesus gives true meaning to each of our lives. The Incarnation,
God made man, effected a radical change to the universe. Jesus taught
us what it means to be human -- to be in the image and likeness of God.
If we do not see this clearly, it is time to remove whatever interferes
with our vision.
The Church gives us this Season of Advent to
make a thorough and honest examination of conscience and to purify our
souls through Confession so that each of us can welcome and receive our
Savior. This is the time to see those things, attitudes and
dispositions that separate us from Him. We have to look deep down
inside ourselves to confront the root causes of being lukewarm or cool
in our relationship with Him. Through Confession, prayer and penance,
we are released from the hold of these bad influences and traps.
Just
as we look for the causes of bodily sickness or a general malaise, we
examine our hearts and souls to learn why we are not as close to Jesus
as we should be. Carefully going over the Ten Commandments is
necessary. Also, it is beneficial to consider the influence of the
seven capital sins: pride, covetousness, envy, sloth, lust, avarice and
gluttony. How many of these are within our actions, our thoughts, our
words and the way we look at persons and things.
It is not
easy to do this because we are leaving ourselves open to a realistic
evaluation of ourselves. We have to let go of that often false, perfect
self image. Most of us would like to see ourselves as selfless, noble
and good. We, however, have to see the selfish and bad things lurking
inside. This is the only way to spiritual healing. Then, we bring
these to Confession, and we are cleansed by Christ. His strength and
love take the place of the corruption of sin.
When Christmas arrives, the new born King should find us with everything in order and with each of our souls ready to receive Him.
Father Stanley
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