All human beings are weak. We should never think that we are stronger than others. Circumstances do not create the weakness of a man. They simply draw it out and show what he really is. We must be convinced of this fact: our will is weak and our blind human desires are strong.
It should not be too hard for us to admit our frailty. See how often we are troubled by a small matter! At times we resolve to become a better person. Then along comes a small temptation, and away goes our resolution!
Just when we think we are safe, when we least expect it, we find ourselves pushed over by a slight temptation. Even when we do not give full consent to it, our feelings and desires confuse us. Hateful imaginations rush in on us and refuse to leave.
Before we can become serious about self-perfection, we must be convinced of its necessity. See how weak we are! We often tend toward what is wrong. We confess our sins today, and tomorrow we commit the same faults again. We resolve to be on our guard, and an hour later we act as though we had never made the resolution. We are so weak and unsteady.
It is only right then, that we should humble ourselves and refuse to think too highly of ourselves.
We are more inclined to go backward than forward. We do not remain in the same state of mind for any length of time. Our moods and attitudes change with the changing hours of the day.
If we would only turn to God, He can help us rise above these changing moods. Let our hearts turn to God and find their rest in Him.
Our human nature is like a spirited horse. It must be controlled at every step. It would like to run free and uncontrolled. Therefore, we need not be surprised at our changing feelings and moods.
They are not the higher selves within us. God will honor us only for what we are trying to be. We would improve much faster if we would beg for God’s help more frequently by prayer and the Sacraments.
Too often we fail to put up fight against our unreasonable feelings and blind desires. At other times, we try to fight them alone. Only with God’s help can we make any permanent progress.
With the knowledge He gives us through His holy Church, and with the strength He offers us in His Sacraments, we can live a holy life in spite of the restless lower selves within us.
It should not be too hard for us to admit our frailty. See how often we are troubled by a small matter! At times we resolve to become a better person. Then along comes a small temptation, and away goes our resolution!
Just when we think we are safe, when we least expect it, we find ourselves pushed over by a slight temptation. Even when we do not give full consent to it, our feelings and desires confuse us. Hateful imaginations rush in on us and refuse to leave.
Before we can become serious about self-perfection, we must be convinced of its necessity. See how weak we are! We often tend toward what is wrong. We confess our sins today, and tomorrow we commit the same faults again. We resolve to be on our guard, and an hour later we act as though we had never made the resolution. We are so weak and unsteady.
It is only right then, that we should humble ourselves and refuse to think too highly of ourselves.
We are more inclined to go backward than forward. We do not remain in the same state of mind for any length of time. Our moods and attitudes change with the changing hours of the day.
If we would only turn to God, He can help us rise above these changing moods. Let our hearts turn to God and find their rest in Him.
Our human nature is like a spirited horse. It must be controlled at every step. It would like to run free and uncontrolled. Therefore, we need not be surprised at our changing feelings and moods.
They are not the higher selves within us. God will honor us only for what we are trying to be. We would improve much faster if we would beg for God’s help more frequently by prayer and the Sacraments.
Too often we fail to put up fight against our unreasonable feelings and blind desires. At other times, we try to fight them alone. Only with God’s help can we make any permanent progress.
With the knowledge He gives us through His holy Church, and with the strength He offers us in His Sacraments, we can live a holy life in spite of the restless lower selves within us.
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