I don't know about other fellow Catholics but when our holiest week begins and we've gone to confession the most vile temptations to sin assaults me more and more. I hate it. I don't know why it happens but it almost feels as if Satan is trying to demoralize me in the most horrendous ways as if to say: "See, you aren't as strong as you think you are, you think you can just sail through the Holy Week but He doesn't care about you. He left you to me to tempt you. Where is He?" I do hope no one else feels like this but I do hope for all your prayers. Please.
I was trying to find the words I had heard once from a priest because I'm sure I'll butcher it but had no luck, but it went something like this:
"Satan isn't the one that pushes you down - we're quite capable of falling on our own. Satan is the one who says 'don't get back up again. Stop trying. All you are is one who falls.' But he lies. Because he's always a liar. God is able to make one stand."
It's an idea I've heard from Chesterton and other saints that God is actively creating in the world. Not just that first week - but every day. That every blade of grass and insect that feeds on it is a creative act by Him because He delights in it. I couldn't imagine drawing a single blade of grass, much less every grass in every field every day of every year for more years than my mind can count.
But then I'm not God.
And if He doesn't get bored or tired of that, then it gives us some hope that He won't get bored nor tired nor exhausted nor disappointed in us no matter how many times we have to keep trying.
I know what you mean. While there are many things to ponder there, and I think Nate hits on a good point, I sometimes feel the same way. Perhaps it's because we are so far from a sacramental worldview, we forget that spiritual in-tuneness we have the closer we get to the holiness of our Creator. We become more - aware. And perhaps the demonic plays on that growing sense of what really matters, our spiritual selves. I know I've had the same feeling and pondered the same things. But as Nate says, let's find comfort in the source of our good and perfect gifts this year, and let that spiritual tuning turn us in that direction. Happy Easter
"All you are is one who falls.' But he lies. Because he's always a liar. God is able to make one stand."
We are no longer slaves to sin are we. With our gift of the Sacrament of Penance God does lift us up again and stand! Yes. I am tempted and yes I do fall to temptations but I am able to get out of the gutter because what he did on the Cross. Through confession and it's grace I'm no longer a slave. Sometimes I just want to sob at the goodness of God towards us despite our failings. Nate and David, have a Happy Easter for He IS risen. Thank God for both of you.
Amen. He is risen.
ReplyDeleteTruly He is risen!
DeleteI don't know about other fellow Catholics but when our holiest week begins and we've gone to confession the most vile temptations to sin assaults me more and more. I hate it. I don't know why it happens but it almost feels as if Satan is trying to demoralize me in the most horrendous ways as if to say: "See, you aren't as strong as you think you are, you think you can just sail through the Holy Week but He doesn't care about you. He left you to me to tempt you. Where is He?" I do hope no one else feels like this but I do hope for all your prayers. Please.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to find the words I had heard once from a priest because I'm sure I'll butcher it but had no luck, but it went something like this:
Delete"Satan isn't the one that pushes you down - we're quite capable of falling on our own. Satan is the one who says 'don't get back up again. Stop trying. All you are is one who falls.' But he lies. Because he's always a liar. God is able to make one stand."
It's an idea I've heard from Chesterton and other saints that God is actively creating in the world. Not just that first week - but every day. That every blade of grass and insect that feeds on it is a creative act by Him because He delights in it. I couldn't imagine drawing a single blade of grass, much less every grass in every field every day of every year for more years than my mind can count.
But then I'm not God.
And if He doesn't get bored or tired of that, then it gives us some hope that He won't get bored nor tired nor exhausted nor disappointed in us no matter how many times we have to keep trying.
May you find comfort and hope this Easter.
I know what you mean. While there are many things to ponder there, and I think Nate hits on a good point, I sometimes feel the same way. Perhaps it's because we are so far from a sacramental worldview, we forget that spiritual in-tuneness we have the closer we get to the holiness of our Creator. We become more - aware. And perhaps the demonic plays on that growing sense of what really matters, our spiritual selves. I know I've had the same feeling and pondered the same things. But as Nate says, let's find comfort in the source of our good and perfect gifts this year, and let that spiritual tuning turn us in that direction. Happy Easter
DeleteThank you Nate and David.
Delete"All you are is one who falls.' But he lies. Because he's always a liar. God is able to make one stand."
We are no longer slaves to sin are we. With our gift of the Sacrament of Penance God does lift us up again and stand! Yes. I am tempted and yes I do fall to temptations but I am able to get out of the gutter because what he did on the Cross. Through confession and it's grace I'm no longer a slave. Sometimes I just want to sob at the goodness of God towards us despite our failings. Nate and David, have a Happy Easter for He IS risen. Thank God for both of you.
BTW....I love this blog. It's humble, human and rides on God's grace. It's easy to see. Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that! That means a lot.
DeleteLol of course my man. It was my pleasure.
Delete