Comments on: Guarding Hearts

By: Leland

Leland — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:41:00 +0000

Fr.,
Thank you for your reply. It seems like a daunting task, particularly with all of the obstacles in the way…..and nevermind the devil and the flesh–this self-absorbed narcisstic society we live in seems to me to be the real enemy…where only the outer self is realized, tended, and worshiped…I would unfortunately have to say that a majority of society is internally dead and will stop at nothing until everyone is the same way in thought and action…what else could explain the proponderance (and tolerance) of abnormal societal behaviors that plaugue us now (e.g., abortion)? Obviously the devil and original sin have a role, as we are inherently weak and the devil hates us as you stated….but something else seems to be at play that is quickly causing the decay of our modern world. Scary to say the least…..glad I have Jesus and the Scriptures to help me find my way!!

By: Fr Angelo

Fr Angelo — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:59:24 +0000

In reply to Leland.

Leland,

What I mean by the worthy and fruitful reception of the sacraments being dependent on our own willingness to empty our hearts of the refuse of our sinfulness is essentially true contrition. Real sorrow for sin is not essentially an emotion but a firmness of our will to quit our sins and avoid their occasion, and in the case of sins against justice, to make restitution. I like to point out that the best way to go to confession is to take care of the problems as quickly as possible, preferably before we go to confession. For example, while a soul immersed in impurity through pornography would be well advised to seek a priest out even when they have no good resolution and still are immersed in the occasion of sin, it is better–much better–to get rid of the garbage first. That is a clear manifestation of true contrition and it is what “makes room” in our hearts for grace.

The enemies of the soul are the world, the flesh and the devil: the world, because of its enticements and our tendency to put created things before the Creator; the flesh, because of original sin, and especially because our lower nature tends to undermine our spiritual welfare unless we live a disciplined life; the devil, because he hates us and is bent upon our eternal death. In particular, in the context of my post, I am recommending purity of intention and the practice of the presence of God as the means of vigilance in the face of our enemies. We need to put our interior life before all else.

By: Leland

Leland — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:17:08 +0000

Fr. Angelo,

First, thank you for this excellent discourse-I found it very interesting as well as enlightening.

You note that “For those who have not yet found that grace, or who perchance, have lost it, the task is to make room, by casting out from the heart the refuse deposited there by the world, the flesh and the devil. This is the necessary prerequisite for receiving the sacraments worthily and fruitfully.” Could you please expound upon this statement? I guess I do not understand how to cast such things from the heart….what are some ways to do this?

Also, how does one stay vigilant in guarding their heart from the “enemies”; who are they and why do they still attack when victory was clearly won at the cross? I guess I am interested in the philosophical/theological reasonings behind this. Thank you for your time.

Leland