Translating a World on the Edge

Have you heard of the Seven Deadly Sins? Not the movie, although it was a good depiction of all seven. But the deadly capability of each of the seven deadly sins exists in each of us. And even the movie’s advertising agrees. In listing the seven sins, it pronounces: Seven Ways to Die.

Sometimes called Cardinal Sins, the Seven are: Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. They are the evil in humanity.

Each of us has the capability to commit these sins, but not all of us do. What keeps us from doing so?

Well, there are the Seven Cardinal Virtues. Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility. And they are the goodness in humanity. So let’s concentrate on the Cardinal Virtues, rather than the Cardinal Sins. The positive, not the negative in our human nature.

And let’s start with Chastity. Its opposite is Lust.

Just mention the words, human virtues, and see what reaction comes from it. You’ll probably figure out that some people resent the virtues. Instead of using them as inspiration to live a better life, they try to destroy the moral standard of a virtue in the eyes of others.

The Catholic Education Resource Center says that Chastity is probably the most resented virtue. Chastity is no longer seen as something good, something noble, something we should all pursue. Just the opposite: Chastity is now often portrayed as something evil something harmful for human persons! Some argue that chastity is harmful to the psychological well-being of young men and women, because sexual desire is natural, so it’s ‘unnatural’ to restrict it in any way–i.e. No restrictions.

Today, our very culture seems to resent chastity. We see the resentment in many college classrooms, in many “sex ed” programs, and especially in the media. For example, when a Hollywood film or prime time sitcom portrays romantic relationships, how often is chastity held up as a moral ideal? How often is chastity presented as something good, something that makes us happy, something that heroes intentionally make a priority in their lives?– Catholic Education Resource Center

Instead, we get the opposite. How deceiving!

“The greatest deception in modern times has to be the illusion that lust is love, therefore to balance the equation love must be lust. It is becoming clearer day-by-day that, on one hand the world needs an injection of the energy of real love, respect, and understanding, and on the other hand – lust – the kind that not only violates others, but destroys the innocent lives of children and adults, is now prevalent everywhere at every level of society. Lust is the ‘sweet’ deception, that very same tool that is used to sell us everything from clothes, to cars and even lifestyles. When are we going to wake up from this illusion?”–Confluence Media, ‘It’s Time’ by Aruna Ladva, BK Publications London

Today we honor the American soldier to whom we owe so much! But what can we give him or her in return for their courage and steadfastness? Our prayers, of course. But we must also support our military in our actions–individually and through our government.

A little history of Veteran’s Day:

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of the veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

President Eisenhower’s letter to Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs
The White House Office
October 8, 1954

Dear Mr. Higley:

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
—–From the History of Veteran’s Day, Military.com

There is no one more worthy of our respect and our gratitude than the American Soldier. Let’s make sure we give it to each of them.

Sometimes as Christians we get a little smug, especially when we’ve been blessed with some good fortune.

We may think we are favored more than others by God.

We may even think that those who suffer from something caused by their own choices are not as good or as righteous as we, because WE have followed the will of God, and THEY haven’t.

That kind of thinking is prideful, and judgmental. It puts others below us—and those others, no matter what they have done, or didn’t do, are equally loved by God.

Sometimes, we have the idea that God is some kind of Sugar Daddy. that God is saying “You do this for me, and I’ll do that for you.” In other w0rds, if we’re good, He’ll give us what we ask for, and if not He’ll pay us back with suffering.

If we think this way, we’re deceiving ourselves.

God does not always give us what we ask for, but what we need. And what we need may be hard to take. We may even have to suffer because of it.

We have in our heads that God is a good God. Of course, He is. But He is also a wise God who sees us as we truly are–after all He created us and He knows us intimately.

What we think is good for us is often the opposite of what we need. Remember our goal is eternal life. Only God knows what it will take for each of us personally to achieve it.

So how do we come to grips with the fact that God has allowed suffering in our lives–not because we are less than good, but because we are meant to be more than we are?

The only way is through Trust. A total surrender to God, knowing He loves us as a parent, as our Creator, and not as our personal Sugar Daddy.

How many times have we publically ridiculed another person for something she/he has done while we have done the same thing and gotten away with it?

How many times do we point a finger at someone else to shove the blame away from ourselves?

How many times have we criticized a person to make ourselves look better?

How many times have we looked down on someone else because we see them as less than we are?

Why do we behave like that?

For one of two reasons. Either we are excessively interested in self. (narcism) Or we lack personal confidence. (insecurity) Either way we need to look in the mirror and see the earthly reality of who we are, or have become, so that we can change our behavior.

But what is absolute truth about who we are?

Each person–not just some people– each person is created in the image and likeness of God. So, any earthly look at ourselves ought to mirror God, shouldn’t it?

When we genuinely realize this, our attitude toward other people changes.

We want to help them rather than hurt them.

How do we help?

We accept that we are all members of God’s family. We show empathy to another when he/she is wounded by sin. We no longer hide our own sins, but ask forgiveness for them. We see each person living with us on this earth as God’s child. And we love them as brothers and sisters.

Why then do you judge your brother or sister?
Or you, why do you look down on your brother or sister?
For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God;
for it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.
So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God.
–Romans 14:9-12

Photo by Jclk8888, Morguefile.com, 2015

You know me through and through, from having watched my bones take shape when I was being formed in secret, knitted together in the limbo of the womb.” Psalm 139:15

Only God knows us as we are. When the Psalmist said God knows us through and through, he meant every aspect of our creation, life, talents, temperament and characteristics. He knew the crosses that would come our way and how each one would help to change, mold and form our soul to His Image. Like all fathers, He looked forward to the day He would see Himself clearly mirrored in us. He anticipated our choosing Him above all things and saw what marvelous glory those choices would give us. He saw the holiness we might obtain, the humility of heart that would be like a shield around us. He saw the tears His love would gently wipe away and the times He would lean down to take hold of our hand as we fell from grace. He saw our bad choices and grieved over our pain and then sought ways to bring good out of everything. Yes, He knew us then, through and through as He knows us now and—still He loves us. —Mother M. Angelica, founder of EWTN

Anytime God asks us to ACT in love, to do a particular thing, or grow through a particular trial, it is because God knows us so well. He does not ask us to do what we cannot handle. It may be something we don’t want to do, but be assured–if He asks it, He has already given us the ability to suceed. All He wants from us is: Yes Lord, I will. Send me.

Will it be easy to carry out God’s call to love? Many times the answer is no.

Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. “Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.–Matthew 10:3-6

Photo By Crit, 2005, MorgueFile. com

A Psalm of David.

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
my God, in You I trust,
Do not let me be ashamed;
Do not let my enemies exult over me.

Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.

Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your loving kindnesses,
For they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Your loving kindness remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.

All the paths of the LORD are loving kindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

For Your name’s sake, O LORD,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.

The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.

My eyes are continually toward the LORD,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.

Look upon my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.

Look upon my enemies, for they are many,
And they hate me with violent hatred.

Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.

Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all his troubles.

What is the difference between an active and passive faith?

A passive faith is rote: a mechanical repetition of something so that it is remembered, but often without real understanding of its meaning or significance.

A passive faith is when we only think about God in church on Sunday.

Some of us Catholics go to Mass and Communion on Sunday, but forget the absolute miracle we have received in the Eucharist as soon as we walk out of the church door.

And on Monday, other ‘more pressing’ things take over and Sunday is forgotten.

We may throw out a few prayers the rest of the week. We may read a little scripture, but literally, many of us sleep through being in tune with Jesus.

AN ACTIVE FAITH IS ONE YOU CAN’T SLEEP THROUGH.

Act and God will act, work and He will work.” —Joan of Arc

There have been thousands of books and movies about Joan of Arc and her faith. All of them stir questions. Why would God even want to save France? How could an eighteen year old lead an army, defeat a world power and crown a king in a matter of six months? How could she face the awful entourage of Bishop Cauchon– who was professor and a pompous academic as well as a Bishop– and still trust in God and her visions? Yet she did all this, and she did it for her God.

Yes, there were moments when she doubted, when Satan whispered in her ear as he does with us. “Look where you are. See? God doesn’t love you. You’re not that good. You will fail,” and on and on. At times, haven’t you heard the same whispering voice? I know I have.

Still, in the end, Joan of Arc kept her Trust in God.

And so can we. We can get to that place of total Trust.

First, we have to realize how much God loves each one of us individually–no matter who we are, or what we’ve done,God is madly in love with us. An active faith begins with that realization.

Secondly, if we know that God loves us, we are able to surrender our lives to Him. Then, we will act, and God will act. We will work, and God will work. We will see that God influences and directs human affairs in this world that He created. And because we have His divine life within us, we will participate with Him.

There will be no way to passively sleep through His love in our own lives.

The definition of a work of art is something that is considered to have aesthetic value, something that is beautiful, intriguing, interesting, creative or extremely well done.

Love is a work of art. Not a piece stuck on a shelf though, an inter-active work of art–like dancing. Love is a dance.

So how is the dance begun?

Love, as a dance, requires a partner of course. It requires a desire to be in the partner’s arms. It requires a certain timing. It requires a creative rhythm And above all, Love as a dance, requires the aesthetic of gracefulness.

What is necessary for the grace performed in a dance of love?

Grace, in the dance, first necessitates watching a teacher, or a role-model, how he or she moves. Try to copy that.

And of course, be skillful. Know the steps of the dance well, so you’ll be able to concentrate more on being grace-filled.

To be grace-filled, a dancer must be aware of the rhythm of his or her own heart, as well as the heart of his partner.

Grace, in the dance, necessitates practice–every day.

A dancer must allow for mistakes. He or she must forgive stepping on toes. Changing moods. Exhaustion. Even tears.

He/she should validate a partner’s significance.

Together, each partner should encourage the other to reach for perfection with a continuous supply of passionate praise.

And then? Turn on the music.

Take the floor.

Enjoy the dance in each other’s arms.

Enjoy Love .

There’s an old song–I think from the 1940’s– that says we always hurt the ones we love. I think that’s pretty much true.

What I don’t think is true is the lyric that we hurt them–“because we love them most of all.” There’s something very wrong with that.

Intentional hurt and love don’t go together. There may be many reasons for the hurt, but one of the most frequent is anger. Anger causes us to lose control, to say and do things we might not ordinarily do.

Anger is described as an emotional response related to one’s psychological interpretation of having been threatened. Often it indicates when one’s basic boundaries are violated. Some have a learned tendency to react to anger through retaliation. And some use displays of anger as a manipulation strategy–think of a threatened lion showing his prowess. But we are not animals.

Anger is a valid human emotion, still we shouldn’t let it get out of hand. We need to recognize the psychological or emotional factors that could predispose a person to intermittent explosive anger so that we can be onguard— growing up in an unstable family environment, marked by severe frustration, lack of a positive role model, physical and emotional abuse, alcoholism, violence and/or life-threatening situations.

We know unrestrained anger can lead to misery for its victims–even victims the perpetrator professes to love . And that kind of anger is one of the Cardinal Sins.

If our first response in many situations is anger, it is very likely that our temper is covering up our true feelings and needs. This is especially likely if we grew up in a family where expressing feelings was strongly discouraged. Explosive anger is especially destructive to children. As a result, an adult who experienced that sort of anger as a child may have a hard time acknowledging feelings other than anger.

If your anger seems to be spiraling out of control, remove yourself from the situation for a few minutes or for as long as it takes you to cool down. Here are some of the dynamics of Explosive Anger:

• We become more angry when we are stressed and body resources are down.
• We are rarely ever angry for the reasons we think.
• We are often angry when we didn’t get what we needed as a child.
• We often become angry when we see a trait in others we can’t stand in ourselves.
• Underneath many current angers are old disappointments, traumas, and triggers.
• Sometimes we get angry because we were hurt as a child.
• We get angry when a current event brings up an old unresolved situation from the past.
• We often feel strong emotion when a situation has a similar content, words or energy that we have felt before. Source: Get Your Angries Out

Let’s try to put our sincere love for a person in the forefront of our thoughts the next time we feel explosive anger rising within us.

Forgiveness is a spiritual work of mercy, but some people won’t do it. You can apologize to them for a wrong you may have done, you can bake them a cake, take them a meal, pay their bills, or keep their children. Oh yes, they’ll let you do all that. But they won’t forgive you. They don’t seem able to let go of the past.

Why?

Why is the past– especially one that’s not so rosy– important to them? What attracts them to the role of forever playing a victim? Like the elephant who never forgot an injury, they are tied past grievances.

A man I once knew had come through many problems in his life. Finally, he had the opportunity to move forward. He didn’t though. Needless to say, he was very hard to be around. In fact, being around him was like walking on egg shells, I had to be very cautious of every word I spoke for fear he might take it in the wrong way. He was a ‘hard case,’ but occasionally, don’t we all resort to this kind of mind control over someone who’s hurt us?

I believe some people see their victimization as a way to manipulate others. They play the “poor me” role. They portray themselves as targets of someone else’s behavior in order to gain pity or sympathy. In this way, they get something they want from another.

Since, most human beings are caring and conscientious, they don’t like to see anyone suffering. A manipulator plays on this. He plays the victim by finding something in his past to hold over another’s head. And he finds it rewarding because in this way he gets cooperation.

Children are great manipulators. As mothers, we see some of it in their whining. “Johnny needs to go to time out. He took my toy and he won’t give it back!” Fortunately, most children grow out of this behavior. But some don’t. All their lives, they carry a vendetta against somebody or other.

There’s the old story of a man and his wife sitting at the breakfast table. He’s reading the paper and paying no attention to her. Suddenly, she lifts her glass of orange juice and throws its content across the table.

“What was that for,” her surprised husband asks.

“What do you mean, what was that for! Have you already forgotten what you did to me twenty years ago?

There’s humor in this, but great sadness, too. So much of life is lost by holding onto the past!