Slavery

Saint Josemaria said, that sin causes the soul to “flutter about like a hen, when they can soar to the heights of an eagle.” 

Christ in Stained Glass (Kevin Davidson)

I have been thinking about the ramifications of sin.  You see, sin makes us feel a little less sensitive to things that are a serious cause for concern for us.  It might start as a very small sin and from that there are other sins.  For example, I may start by telling a small white lie so as to not give offence to someone.  But over time, my willingness to tell small untruths may lead to my desensitisation in telling larger lies. 

It is said, for example, that Judas Iscariot began by stealing a little money on the side from the communal coffers that he was managing for the disciples and for Christ.  It would only have been a tiny bit of money here and there to start with.  But over time, the sinner became a slave to the sin.  And when the time came to betray the Son of Man, then Judas Iscariot did not hesitate to collect another thirty pieces of silver.  And perhaps the most tragic thing of all in this unfolding of sin, is that the very thing that Judas “sold” his soul for – so to speak – is also the very thing that he had no use for afterwards.  After all, Judas took his own life in the aftermath of the Passion and Death of Christ.  And there is no benefit or joy to be had in making use of silver if one is dead…

“Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, 'You will be made free'?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin.’” (John 8:31-42).

I have been reflecting on the impact of sin in my own life.  It diminishes me.  Saint Josemaria said, that sin causes the soul to “flutter about like a hen, when they can soar to the heights of an eagle.”  And I have been reflecting on that today.  You see, although at the time of the sin it may appear that I have gained the upper hand, the reality is that once the sin is committed, then there is no upper hand anymore.  The very nature of sin is that what it reaps, and sows cannot bring life.  So, there is no joy and no satisfaction in the conquests made through sin.

And I have been thinking about that today as I have been reflecting on my own life.  Because it seems to me today that there is a great deal that I should do, and right now, I am fluttering around like a hen, when I was made to soar like an eagle…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.