the south, you say: ‘It will be hot’; and so it is. You superficial people! You understand the signs
of the earth and the sky, but you don’t understand the present times. And why do you not judge
for yourselves what is fit? When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case
on the way, lest he drag you before the judge and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer
throw you in prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Reflect
I think that all of us have felt like Paul at some point in our lives. We know the right thing to
do and we want to do it, but somehow we find ourselves doing the wrong thing anyway.
This happens in all aspects of our lives. We know that we should eat healthy food and get
regular exercise, yet we find ourselves eating fast food on the couch while we stream
videos. As parents, we know that we should remain calm and patient with our children, yet
we find ourselves yelling when the kids start bickering – again. We know that we should
avoid sin, yet we find ourselves confessing the same sins time and again.
So how do we change this pattern? First, we need to recognize that we cannot do it on our
own. Avoiding sin requires God’s grace. In prayer, we need to ask God to grant us the grace
we need to avoid the occasions of sin. Then, we can look at the people, places, and things
that lead us to sin. God’s grace will help to shore up our will against these temptations.
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