Today we conclude our study of the seven deadly sins as we examine: lust
Scripture for meditation: Job 24:13, 15, 17
"There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths... The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk; he thinks, 'No eye will see me,' and he keeps his face concealed... For all of them, deep darkness is their morning; they make friends with the terrors of darkness."
Christ tells us: Matthew 26:41
"Be on Guard, and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but nature is weak."
St. Francis de Sales offers this advice in An Introduction to the Devout Life: Whenever you feel the approach of temptation, imitate a little child who sees a wolf or bear in the plain. He instantly flies into his father's or mother's arms, or at all events calls on them for help. Do you in like manner fly to God, seeking His mercy and help. If, nevertheless, the temptation continues or increases, hasten in spirit to embrace the Holy Cross, as though you beheld Jesus Christ crucified before you; then promise not to yield, and ask His aid to preserve you, and continue so to do while the temptation lasts.
Prayer: The Act of Contrition
Oh my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended you
And I detest all my sins because of your just punishments
But most of all because they offended you, my God
Who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace,
to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
My thoughts: This sin is destroying our world and harming us all. Human trafficking has become a profitable industry, seeking to satisfy those who can never be satisfied. Lives are destroyed; marriages are ruined; institutions are forever disgraced, and human beings are turned into objects. It operates in darkness, seeking to fool God. Rest assured, God is watching, and all that is done in darkness will come to light. The time to rid ourselves of this sin is right now. Seek help, confess, make amends and resolve to start again, as a child of the light. We will all face God some day, and nothing will be hidden. As the song says, " Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wondrous face, and the things of this earth, will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." He loves your very much. Love Him, and give up anything separating you from Him.
Your prayer to God: Now is the time to be brave and bold. Let us claim for Christ all victims of this sin: those who are sinking in it, those who are harmed by it, and those who are fighting it every day of their lives. Pray to Mary to wrap them in her mantle of love and give them courage, strength, and a new beginning in her Son. If you are struggling with this addiction, place yourself at the foot of the cross, confess any type of addiction to this sin, leave it there. and never take it back. Never.
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