Society and the media applaud Sodom and Gomorrah

When I read today that 'the US Supreme Court has struck down a law denying federal benefits to gay couples and cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California' , I cannot help but think again that the society in which we live has and is increasingly becoming like the  cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in the bible.

The media seems to applaud gay rights and ridicule traditional values, when our society  ought to laud family and marriage, life and love.  Our western legislatures and legal systems pass law after law and ruling after ruling contra to Christian belief and practice.

Marriage is no longer about life long commitment and fidelity, a loving environment to raise children.  Marriage has become about the most lavish party the couple can afford, a mark of being financially stable, rather than a man and a woman declaring their love and commitment in front of God and the world.  This in the same society where abortion has become a way of birth control rather than abstinence and celibacy.

In the face of this anti-christian wind of change  we each need to reflect Christ to the best of our ability.  We need to be the most loving and best reflections of Christ and his love in this world.   In our home, schools and work places  we need to promote Christ by being good witnesses in all we do, in every aspect of our lives.

As I attempt to do this I pray "That each of us is graced by Christ, to be worthy witnesses for his sake to the world."

Mortal vs Venial Sin

Before I made a real commitment to Christ I had a light conscience.  My sin rarely bothered me.  When having to confess I struggled to even remember my faults.

Now, after I have made a real commented to Christ. Now that I have started to Practice the presence of God, as often and as hard as I might try there is a change.  I feel when I have sinned, immediately, I know when I have done wrong.  I am embarrassed and exposed in front of Christ.

Some actions and just that embarrassing, I apologise and put them behind me, my beloved Lord immediately forgets.

Others actions place a barrier between myself and Christ, cutting me off.  Stopping me from Practising the presence of God.  An awful cloud, like a very bad destructive atmosphere between myself and our Lord.  When I feel like this the only solution will be to attend the sacrament of confession.

The feeling generated by Mortal sin is a real deterrent.

Forgiveness

I went and confessed my sins,  how I was feeling.  I did not feel absolved immediately.  Shortly after I completed my penance the vale of darkness which had descended upon me dissipated.   It seems I will have to do my utmost to avoid sining again,  but when I do fail I will have to confess as soon as is possible.

"Lord, thank you for the Cross, Thank You for you love and forgiveness."

Quod Erat Demonstrandum

It is clearly evident that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, or more accurately part of my spirit is willing and I am weak willed.

To grow further I must commit to Christ.  Commit to practice the Presence of Christ at every and each possible moment, in every situation.  That I also need to reject all vain things and practices.  I must askew all things that do not promote building a loving relationship with God.

I pray

"Dear God, I commit myself afresh to be present to you.  Further, I commit to rejecting vanities, to stopping those practices that turn my face from you and that cause you pain.

Lord grant me the grace to resist temptation and to be strong in faith and will, so that in humility I my enter your presence and stay there."

"Thy will be done"

Oh God come to my aid

What a pain I have in my heart.
I have made a commitment to Christ, to practice the presence of God.
Of course I have not done well.
I have failed, been distracted.
Thought of other things, entertained vain thoughts and dreams.
I have held and said uncharitable things.
I have entertained lust.

I feel pain that I have failed.

For the first time in all my fifty three year catholic life I feel a real need for confession.  I MUST confess my failure.  My sin has washed away any good I have done.  I feel the weight of my sin, it is like a dark shadow, between me and God.  This is new to me and I do not like it.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, only say the word and I shall be healed.

The Cost of Commitment

Last week I made a commitment.  To practice the presence of God.  I remember God at every opportunity I can.  Well I have done well, not very well but a good start.  BUT, after I sin, after any mistake or lack of attention to God, I feel so guilty and sinful.  What a sting in the tail, or is an encouragement? 

Please prayer I can repent, be strong and learn to love with ALL my heart.