We Must Die Detesting Sin

Beads of Joy 03-12-10

We Must Die Detesting Sin
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Lent 2010 - Day 24
Hello Everyone,

Our eternity depends on how we live our life. We really need to live each day focused on the end of this life. "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." Ecclesiastes 7:1-2, wow, so much wisdom jam packed in those two verses. Everything in between matters, the only thing is that we really don't know how or when the end will come. See once we are dead, it is at that exact moment that it's going to be too late to make things right with God, and make things right with our neighbors. The best way to really see what I think God wants us to is this, here's my analogy: Think of ourselves as an athlete. And at some point in the near future we need to be ready for a big challenge to test our skill (our faith). What would be the best way to prepare for this? Should we wait for the day, and that moment, and then prepare? Of cause not, staying in shape (spiritually) is something we must do all the time so we can remain ready.

Just as an athlete continually prepares oneself for that main event, or the Olympics; we to must always be prepared for the day we to will all face. The day we as children of God, must stand before Him and in that finally phase of our life, so be ready. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Matthew 24:36. also, "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Luke 12:40. Our lives must be surrounded by the tools (bible, commentary, devotional books, etc), and the coaches (priests, brothers and sisters in the Lord), so that we to can remain on track as we remain prepared. Here is a very insightful thought as we prepare, "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galatians 6:8, we do sow what we reap. The thought of our end here on earth is a gift (predestination) we need to embrace, as we go through each day we have been so blessed to have.

While we are on this journey, a journey we call life; let's try not to risk our eternity by falling pray to the enemy (satan). The enemy is most deceitful and very patient; remember the enemy never sleeps, he will woo our hearts and our interests and before we know it, he will devour us. So let us die to self first and foremost. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8. The best way to avoid all that could mislead us in our life, is by living a life that places Jesus and others first. "Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39. Following those commandments is the best weapon against the enemy. The enemies greatest tool against ourselves is our our own pride and selfish desires. Frequently attend Mass, spend time before the sacrament, go to confession as often as possible. Be prepared.

We all need to take account of our own lives; are we really attached to anything at all on this earth? Is there a person; a place of honor we desire to be; a home we love so much more than anything else in the world; or maybe this life is all about our desire for wealth, or is it our own personal addictions that capture us. Satan uses all these things to keep us from God. One thing is certain, and you didn't need to read this blog to know it: we are not immortal in the physical sense. We will all have to leave this place one day, I find it to be easy to be detached from this world as much as possible; that maybe one of the biggest secrets to my own personal endless overflowing joy. Maybe because I am able to live with "no strings attached" that my spirit feels so free and excited everyday, thinking about and worshiping God with all I got. I could be wrong, but you know the more I see it that way, the more it makes sense.

Today's Challenge: Help someone else on this journey you are embarking. Encourage others to go with you to Mass, and to Eucharistic Adoration and to confession. Share Jesus, share the one treasure you possess in your heart with everyone.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO