Holy Spirit of Jesus, sustain in me a willing spirit...

 
Psalm 51 & Matthew 6:1-18

One of the most frustrating aspects of human character is its leaning towards fickleness and acedia*. With good intention, how often do I set out for myself exercises and disciplines to ‘get back on track’, or to ‘do better’ – and within days, if not hours, slip up ‘just once’, and then forever. It takes patience and perseverance, not to mention discernment and self discipline – and detachment and sheer strength –to fight acedia and maintain a spirit that is always open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and willing to just do it. Forty long days of Lenten fasting, praying, and giving of alms lie before me. Will I allow God to sustain in me a willing spirit that helps me live beyond the quick sands of acedia with all its despondency and despair, into the lively salvation of Christ Jesus? Holy Spirit of Jesus, sustain in me a willing spirit. 
                                                                              
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
 
Act as if every day were the last of your life, and each action the last you perform.  
St. Alphonsus Liguori
 
* See THE NOONDAY DEVIL: ACEDIA, THE UNNAMED EVIL OF OUR TIMES
byDom Jean-Charles Nault
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei