Bad Lapse

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081913.cfm) reminds me to be aware of possibility of having bad lapses in faith.

It is very difficult to change habits because these habits were formed over the years. For example, a lot of people want to quit smoking. Yes, it is good while they can resist the temptation, but once they light a stick, some end up smoking more than before they stopped. Same goes true for those who radically change their diet. Some do cohen diet and are very pleased with the effects on weight loss. However, once they stop the diet and start eating normal, some also end up bigger than their original size.

In the faith, this is true as well. In one of the gospels Jesus warns us to replace evil with the holy spirit, because if we don’t, the evil spirit that was cast out will invite more spirits stronger than it, and it will be worse for the person than the original state. In the first reading, we see this as well. People would relapse and do worse than their ancestors – displeasing God more.

As we follow God, falling down is inevitable. We are human beings, we have the tendency to sin. However, when we sin, we should not allow ourselves to be distracted, not allot ourselves to be disappointed at ourselves, not feel that we are hopeless and helpless. If we do so, it will be easier to fall into the bad lapse, to become worse than the original state.

God is good. God is gracious. God is merciful. We should remember this, and focus on this as we try to get back on our feet and following Him again after we fall.

Father God,

Thank you for today. thank you for another week.. Lord, as I start the week, I ask that I always have the focus on you. as I follow you, I will sin and hurt you, but help me Lord not to wallow on this, rather, put my focus on you and use your love to help me get back on track in loving you, in living for you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-