From the Rector: Capital Sins part III
Capital Sins Part III
This is the conclusion of the article regarding Capital Sins that has been published in the past two weekend’s bulletins. To read the first two articles visit our website sacredheartgallup.org.
Capital Sins Part III
5. Gluttony: eating too much, drinking too much (of alcoholic beverages)
Being too concerned about the type of food we eat, picking and choosing only what we like, talking excessively about the quality of the food or drink, complaining without cause.
Remedies: “Get used to saying no” (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 5) to seconds, unnecessary or excessive snacks, etc.
Know how to draw the line: I have had enough, I don’t need more.
Sip that glass of wine or beer slowly; make it last.
Do not become enslaved to food: “Their god is the belly.” (Phil. 3:19)
Keep in mind instead: “Whether you eat or drink, or do anything else, do all for the glory of God.”
(1 Cor. 10:31)
6. Lust. Temptations are a normal part of life. Everyone experiences them. God allows them so that we might struggle and grow stronger in the process, realize our dependence upon him and call upon him constantly for his grace and help. Besides, in this way we defeat the devil by saying with Christ: “Be gone, Satan!”(Mt. 4:10)
Sins against chastity include: impure and immodest dress, conversations, readings, looks, touches, and actions.
Remedies: To live a chaste, pure life, one must use the means:
-to guard one’s senses: “the lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye were sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye be evil, your whole body will be full of darkness.” (Mt. 6:22-23)
It is important to distinguish between “seeing” and “looking.” One cannot but see the world that surrounds us. But one should refrain from “looking” at that which might produce or intensify an occasion of sin.
-to guard one’s imagination. This faculty can serve us very well or build up images, scenarios, fantasies that are clearly opposed to living as God wants.
-to control one’s memory: not giving in to reflecting on the evil we have experienced in the past.
-to use all the other means (cf. CCC. 2337-47)
Here too one must “get used to saying no” which is the same as saying yes wholeheartedly to what is good for us.
7. Sloth or laziness is an attitude that affects the way we approach our duties in life: tackling our work, caring for our health, serving others, making time for God, etc.
Remedies: “Do you really want to be a saint? Carry out the little duty of each moment: do what you ought and put yourself into what you are doing.” (St. Josemaria, The Way, 815)
Make the effort to begin on time: “The heroic minute. It’s time to get up, on the dot! Without hesitation, a supernatural thought and… up! The heroic minute; here you have a mortification that strengthens your will and does not weaken your body.” (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 206)
Stick to the job, until it is finished. Lay the last stones: “To begin is for everyone, to persevere is for saints.” (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 983a)
Ash Wednesday is February 18, 2015. (See the bulletin for service details) May your Lenten sacrifices and prayers bring you many blessings and closer in your walk with our Lord.
