Christ Jesus, help me keep free from sin to let the Holy Spirit in…

Jeremiah 17:5-10 & Luke 16:19-31

 
Jeremiah’s word from the Lord illustrates the consequences of giving into the temptations that are common to humankind: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. The siren call of sin often starts with ‘just one little step’ away from the water of life. But that one step leads into several more steps on the misty flats, until I almost forget to check my surroundings  - and to check in with the One who can break through the fog of sin within my heart, mind and soul. But as soon as I turn to Jesus, and ask for his help and healing, I am able to break through into the light of who I truly am – a beloved son/ daughter of God, designed to know and trust in the Lord. It takes clarity born of prayer and praise to God, to be able to discern the danger of temptations that swirl around and through my life. It takes courage to admit my error, that that ‘one little step’ away from the Mercy of God was not life-giving but death-dealing, and to ask Jesus for help and healing to go back to the Father. And it takes steely self-discipline to seek out only those thoughts, words, and actions, that are founded on trust in, the truth of, and time for, the Mercy of our Father in heaven. Will I, with the help of the Lord, keep myself free from sin so that the Holy Spirit, - given so abundantly and generously by Jesus to his disciples for all ages – can come in and stay at home within my heart, mind, soul and strength? Christ Jesus, help me keep free from sin to let the Holy Spirit in.         
 
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious and it does not cease to bear fruit.  (Jeremiah 17, 8-10)  
 
My past, O Lord, to your Mercy; my present, to your Love; my future, to your Providence!
Saint Padre Pio
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
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