Holy Spirit of God grow within me a holy and disciplined spirit that will flee from deceit...

 
Wisdom 1:1-7  
                                         
It is the half-truths and lies that lead me into sinkholes of fear, shame and hatred, and often into the misty flats of sadness, confusion, and despair.  I know it is better to look to the Truth, rather than become caught up in the deceits of evil. But it is one thing to know about the Truth, and another to persevere in living into the Truth - of love and wisdom. How am I able to engage the Truth? The writer of the Book of Wisdom noted that a holy and a disciplined spirit runs away from the deceits of unrighteousness - of darkness and of ‘ego drama’ *. Just as there is no place in God’s realm for darkness, there is no place in God’s dwelling (my spirit) for the shadows of deceit.  As much as I cultivate holiness and true discipline of heart, mind, soul and strength, that much I will recognize and be able to engage the mercy of God and his infinite wisdom.  Today will I cultivate self-satisfaction and follow my wandering inclinations, or will I welcome the nudges of the Holy Spirit to grow up into holiness and self-discipline.  God grow within me a holy and disciplined spirit that will flee from deceit. 
 
*Bishop Barron, Nov 6, 2019  
                                                                              
You hem me in behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.    (Psalm 139:5 )  
                                     
When you are in a tunnel and you see nothing at all, it is advisable to remain near the handrail; otherwise, without noticing it, you will wander off and get turned around. 
Jean-Charles Nault, O.S.B., The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of our Times. Ignatius Press, 2013
                         
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