Unfortunately, today's culture makes the slothful feel right at home. The hidden persuaders of the advertising and entertainment world always accent what is comfortable and pleasurable. They have little concern for the "unsearchable riches of Christ" preached so fervently by the Apostle Paul. Yet, our Lord has clearly warned that we cannot be His disciples unless we deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. The slothful person cannot follow Christ because he shuns self-discipline and is weakened by self-indulgence. What starts off as mere distaste for spiritual effort quickly becomes a full-blown disgust for any kind of spiritual exercise. Enough of the disease. What's the cure for spiritual sloth? The spiritual paralysis can be overcome in only one way-by MANLY RESISTANCE! Some temptations must be overcome by flight, and others by resistance. For example, thoughts that incite the vice of lust call for immediate flight; but the temptation to sloth must be met head-on. The cure of sloth always begins in the mind. More and more meditation on the things of God is the basic medicine. Prayerful reflection on the beauty and grandeur of our Christian vocation removes the smog from the mind of the slothful. An honest and thorough appraisal of one's spiritual state is a second means. This examination should uncover one's predominant weakness, as well as any carelessness in our essential spiritual duties. Resolutions should be made. This should be followed by a periodic check-up. Reformation should begin with some small sacrifices. But be faithful and consistent in their performance. Don't bite off too much at once. Just as exercise restores a lost muscle tone, a daily sacrifice will restore spiritual vigor and vitality. It will increase your joy in living too. Make the offering of the Sacrifice of the Mass the highlight of your week...or your day. It's your encounter with the crowning achievement of Our Blessed Lord's life. It channels the power and wisdom of the Cross into your heart and life. Coupled with fervent Holy Communions it will destroy any spiritual diseases. If you are suffering from this spiritual paralysis, you don't have to do everything at once. But you must make a good start-even though it be in small things. Remember that our Lord said: "He that is faithful in what is least is faithful also in that which is greater." (Luke 16:10) By the late Father Kilian McGowan, C.P.
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