Comments on: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 — What Defiles Our Gardens?

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 17:00:50 +0000

There was a comedian named Flip Wilson who used to say “the devil made me do it”. While it made people laugh, it made us realize we human beings are inclined to blame others for our actions. However …

In his homily Cardinal Thomas Colin pointed out that included in Jesus’s list of what comes from within are the seven deadly sins: Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, Sloth. He said they are the intentions that come from the human heart. The best way to combat them is a daily examination of conscience. Look within and say, Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.

He added that we are stewards of the garden we are placed in. We are not in control. The Tree of Knowledge symbolizes that we are not in control. God is.

In listening to him, I remembered that the Catechism also lists Seven Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Courage (combined with the theological virtues) Faith, Hope and Charity.

This introspection challenges me to look at my motivations. Why do I do what I do and why do I make the decisions I make? Are they choices that come from an honest and sincere heart? Or are they choices that are based more on how I will be perceived? Hopefully my motives are pure. And hopefully those pure motives come from a heart that is deeply united to the heart of Christ.

Cardinal Thomas reminded us that we should have gratitude for what God has given us. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to the deadly sins.

God bless
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Thou hast given me so much. Give me one more thing – A Grateful Heart. – George Herbert

By: Skip

Skip — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 15:25:53 +0000

Steven, nice read, thank you.
“so I’m guessing that Adam could’ve succumbed to a ferret with an agenda.” That cracked me up.
Something I can’t get my mind around is why God allowed satin into Eden in the first place. Adam and Eve didn’t stand a chance! At least Jesus was aware of satin in this world.
God created angels in the first place, so God also created the powerful angel that fell away – Satin. I would like to better understand this. One could also wonder if this was a good verses evil battle going on before God created man.
Any suggestive reading you’d recommend reading?
Keep up the good writing.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 14:20:36 +0000

Very thoughtful reflection. Thanks.

By: Helen

Helen — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 13:54:32 +0000

A wonderful reflection Steven.Thank you.

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 12:40:32 +0000

Thanks, Steven. I sometimes wonder why I commit the same sins over and over again, and also dread having to confess them (again). Your reflection was a comfort to me.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 10:27:20 +0000

As usual. The people of the Catholic Moment continue to educate and inspire. Thanks for the help in understanding scripture and helping us apply it to our daily lives. Wonderful reflection today!

By: Chris Curley

Chris Curley — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 09:24:18 +0000

Good reflection, Steve. I read it last night, and thought about it, especially during my swim, a great think time. We make many wrong choices, sometimes through youthful stupidity, sometimes deliberately wrong, and often we ask ourselves, afterwards, “Why did I do that!”. We often don’t know. Funny thing is, we like to demand explanations of God, of why He does things, when we can’t, or won’t try to explain our own choices. Examining our decisions could be a way forward. God bless you, really enjoyed the train you started me on this morning.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:58:26 +0000

Amen. I am human and prone to succumb to temptation, but perhaps with prayer and God’s grace I can endure.