Luke 17: 5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table'? Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Personal Reflection
We all wish to hear those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We are called to be saints, but do we really believe that? Sometimes saints seem so holy that the status is unattainable, but we are each truly called to sainthood. How does one become a saint? We do what is expected of us. Like the servant in the Gospel above, we do what is expected, and we are not expected to perform miracles.
True, the Church has chosen to recognize those saints whose holiness has been exceptional in some way in the canonization process, but all that means is that the Church is certain the person is in Heaven. Holy Mother Church blesses us by choosing verifiable saints to set as examples for our lives today. Some are exceptional, but those are the ones we remember the most. If you really look closely, most are pretty normal, like us. If we get to Heaven, we will be saints, regardless of whether or not the Church canonizes us.
So, let us go back to the Gospel. How do we please God? We do our duty. What is my duty? Do I embrace my daily tasks as conduits of holiness? Or do I wish my life was different in some way, so I could be holier? How do I fulfill my obligations in a way that glorifies God? Do I need to reevaluate my attitude towards my call to holiness? Do I view sainthood as unattainable? Can I imagine growing holier as my life continues? How?
Is my faith at least as large as a mustard seed? Do I berate myself when my faith is not stronger? How can I trust simply in the Lord and be satisfied with my faithfulness? Do I truly believe I can "move mountains" with my meager faith? Or am I stuck in our culture's obsession that it might not be quite good enough? When will it ever be enough? How can I recognize my faith for the simple gift from God that it is and be content to merely uproot sycamine trees and replant them in the ocean?
Friday, October 5, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007 ~ Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 16: 19-31
"There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz'arus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz'arus in his bosom. And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz'arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz'arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"
Personal Reflection
The part about this Gospel that amazes me the most is Abraham's insistence that miracles are not necessary for people to believe. Often I find myself begging God for some sign or obvious guidance to confirm or refute a decision I have made or must make. My husband and I have joked, on occasion, that we need God to hit us over the head with a 2x4 for us to know what to do. It is said in good humor, but there is a lot of truth to the point that it is difficult for me to discern God's will in my life when choosing between two or more good things.
I wish for a sign, but what I should do instead is hope to hear the Lord's voice more clearly. When big decisions are looming in my future, I feel as if I am stabbing in the dark at an answer. The real answer is to work on my relationship with Christ, so I can discern His voice. Since He is my shepherd, I should be able to distinguish His voice amidst the chaos of indecision, just as a flock of sheep follow the voice of their protector and no other.
How much do I hope for signs of God's love? existence? mercy? etc? Do I know people who receive such signs? Instead, how can I learn to better recognize the loving voice of my Creator? Do I depend on Christ's guidance? Do I hear His voice clearly? When in my life have I heard His voice most clearly? What was my spiritual life like to enable such intimacy? How can I gain that intimacy today?
Are there people in my life, family or friends, who are not believers? Would a miraculous sign really change their mind? What can I do to help them hear the voice of God without such a sign? What is my obligation in bringing Christ to others and leading them towards Heaven and away from eternal torments?
"There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz'arus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz'arus in his bosom. And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz'arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz'arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"
Personal Reflection
The part about this Gospel that amazes me the most is Abraham's insistence that miracles are not necessary for people to believe. Often I find myself begging God for some sign or obvious guidance to confirm or refute a decision I have made or must make. My husband and I have joked, on occasion, that we need God to hit us over the head with a 2x4 for us to know what to do. It is said in good humor, but there is a lot of truth to the point that it is difficult for me to discern God's will in my life when choosing between two or more good things.
I wish for a sign, but what I should do instead is hope to hear the Lord's voice more clearly. When big decisions are looming in my future, I feel as if I am stabbing in the dark at an answer. The real answer is to work on my relationship with Christ, so I can discern His voice. Since He is my shepherd, I should be able to distinguish His voice amidst the chaos of indecision, just as a flock of sheep follow the voice of their protector and no other.
How much do I hope for signs of God's love? existence? mercy? etc? Do I know people who receive such signs? Instead, how can I learn to better recognize the loving voice of my Creator? Do I depend on Christ's guidance? Do I hear His voice clearly? When in my life have I heard His voice most clearly? What was my spiritual life like to enable such intimacy? How can I gain that intimacy today?
Are there people in my life, family or friends, who are not believers? Would a miraculous sign really change their mind? What can I do to help them hear the voice of God without such a sign? What is my obligation in bringing Christ to others and leading them towards Heaven and away from eternal torments?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007 ~ Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 16:1-13
He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. And he called him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' And the steward said to himself, `What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that people may receive me into their houses when I am put out of the stewardship.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He said, `A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, `Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?' He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.' The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations. "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
Personal Reflection
Who would have come up with such a story? More proof, to me, that the Gospels are Truth. For Jesus does not teach the easy way. He implores us to do the right thing, to be faithful in the little things. What little things require my faithfulness? How am I doing on a daily basis with these little things?
Am I faithful to the commandments? To the precepts of the Church? Do I obey my superiors? Do I obey the laws of the land? Am I compliant with God's will or do I fuss about the inconveniences to serving God alone?
For, as Christ insists, we cannot serve both God and mammon. This world will pass, but the Kingdom of God is eternal. What do I serve? Myself? My family? God first? I find sometimes that my service of my family can overtake my service of God. Do you? It's not my actions in this regard that are in error but my intentions. I limit my service as to my family and don't offer it as service to God. Thus, it seems empty and often pointless.
God has blessed us. Even many saints throughout history with lives full of challenges and horrors we could never dream of have been able to see the goodness of God in their lives. Do I see the generosity of God? Am I a good steward?
He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. And he called him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' And the steward said to himself, `What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that people may receive me into their houses when I am put out of the stewardship.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He said, `A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, `Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?' He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.' The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations. "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
Personal Reflection
Who would have come up with such a story? More proof, to me, that the Gospels are Truth. For Jesus does not teach the easy way. He implores us to do the right thing, to be faithful in the little things. What little things require my faithfulness? How am I doing on a daily basis with these little things?
Am I faithful to the commandments? To the precepts of the Church? Do I obey my superiors? Do I obey the laws of the land? Am I compliant with God's will or do I fuss about the inconveniences to serving God alone?
For, as Christ insists, we cannot serve both God and mammon. This world will pass, but the Kingdom of God is eternal. What do I serve? Myself? My family? God first? I find sometimes that my service of my family can overtake my service of God. Do you? It's not my actions in this regard that are in error but my intentions. I limit my service as to my family and don't offer it as service to God. Thus, it seems empty and often pointless.
God has blessed us. Even many saints throughout history with lives full of challenges and horrors we could never dream of have been able to see the goodness of God in their lives. Do I see the generosity of God? Am I a good steward?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Sunday, September 16 ~ Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 15: 1-32
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. "Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Personal Reflection
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. "Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Personal Reflection
Today, this Gospel reading reminds me of my sin and my children, interesting combination! I am so relieved when I read this passage and remember God's joy in the repentance of one sinner. How many times do I find myself sinning and beg God for forgiveness? I wish I were more like the saints who (in my imagination, at least) rarely sin, but then, I suppose, in some odd way, I would not give God as much joy. I know with confidence that my regret over my sin and my attempts at reform are God's way of molding me, leading me toward Him.
How often do I reflect on God's mercy? Do I lament over repeated sins or do I find ways to embrace the personal change the Lord demands of me? Am I doubtful of approaching Him for forgiveness, or can I visualize His open arms waiting for my return?
My children can be challenging each in their own ways, as all children can, but I have a spirited (a.k.a. strong-willed) child who challenges me in unique ways. Recently, there are moments where she does something that amazes me or says something that leaves me speechless. As a mother, those moments are so powerful and so long-lasting that the challenges are bearable overall! What a gift God has given me to see through His eyes with my child's disobedience or disrespect. These "sins" (depending on the child's age) fade away with the joy of a special success or the sound of laughter; a celebration of goodness overrides any faults.
Am I forgiving with my children as God forgives me? Are my arms outstretched, no matter what they have done, to welcome them back again? Or do I tend to hold a grudge, even if for an afternoon or a day? Am I teaching my children the art of apology and praying for their sincerity? Do I seek them out constantly when they stray from the fold, trying to bring them back?
God reveals Himself in many ways to us as mothers. Ask Him to reveal His mercy for you and in you, so your family might grow in holiness, one forgiven sin at a time.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Sunday, September 9 ~ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 14:25-33
Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them, "If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace. So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Personal Reflection
I believe I started my faith journey without truly counting the cost. Part of me feels this was designed naivete by God, for if I knew what I had to give up, maybe I wouldn't have fallen for Him so hard. But, here, Jesus says we should be prepared for anything. Rather, we should be ready to lose everything for Him.
As I ride the roller coaster of hope and despair in my faith life, I know God is next to me, strapped in the seat with me. Intellectually, I have confidence the Lord is suffering with me, as I face life's trials with my children, my husband, my parents, my siblings, my friends, and random strangers. In my heart, though, I wonder. I doubt. Do I really have to sacrifice so much to be holy? Can't I just be a "good person?"
Jesus says no. He tells us to leave everything behind, and we just heard this message several weeks ago, as well. He comes to bring division. We must say goodbye to our families. We must give up our riches. What must I let go of to deepen my relationship with Christ? What are the things I am gripping tightly in my fists, not allowing the Lord to take and make holy, regardless of the cost?
Do I worry about the results of following God's commands? Am I anxious about sacrificing "too much?" Do I feel there is a wall I must cross before truly embracing a path of holiness? How thick is that wall? How can I find the courage to scale it? Must I have ultimate control over certain people? relationships? personal goals?
Long ago, when my faith journey was just beginning, I knew sacrifice was necessary. I knew I had to lay things at the foot of the cross and release the control I hold so dear. I can't remember whether this idea was from a person or the Holy Spirit, but when I am holding on too tightly, I remember every detail.
~~~~~~~
Find quiet. Close your eyes. Imagine the altar that is most meaningful to you. Picture every detail. Now, although this all happens in your mind, imagine it as a physical activity. Pull off of your shoulders each of your individual burdens, one at a time, and lay them on that altar. Picture some object or person as you do this: your strong-willed child, your checkbook, your planner, your husband, your file on that church group you lead. Do it gently, deliberately, with care. Leave it there and pause to feel the weight removed before pulling off another. Once all the burdens from your shoulders are on the altar before you, begin to pull out of your mind all of the fears and doubts: your inadequacy, the future, God's love, God's judgment, being alone. Then, pull out of your heart all of the hurt and despair: a family fight, lack of hope, loss of a loved one. Grab each sin from your soul and set it there, not to desecrate the holy altar but to make holy the sin, to find its opposite virtue: pride turns to humility, anger turns to forgiveness, greed turns to charity. One at a time, place each "thing" on that sacrificial altar and let go of it. Give it to the Lord. After your entire sacrifice is done, when you have emptied your entire self, picture yourself walking away and leaving those things there on that altar. When you leave that church in your mind's eye, imagine those things still sitting there. You cannot take them with you. Walking away might be a challenge, a bit painful. Then, open your eyes; praise God for taking those burdens; and be at peace.
Whenever you find yourself holding on to one of those things again, find quiet, close your eyes, and imagine the altar... Now, I will speculate on one final sacrifice. Once you have done this exercise and can truly walk away empty handed, it's time to sacrifice your very self. Go back in and put on that altar each part of who you are - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Show the Lord that you heard His Gospel today, and you ARE counting the cost of faith. Tell Him you do want to be truly holy, no matter what it takes. Demonstrate you are walking the path to holiness, not just a journey of faith. Someday, soon I hope, maybe I can do the same.
Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them, "If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace. So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Personal Reflection
I believe I started my faith journey without truly counting the cost. Part of me feels this was designed naivete by God, for if I knew what I had to give up, maybe I wouldn't have fallen for Him so hard. But, here, Jesus says we should be prepared for anything. Rather, we should be ready to lose everything for Him.
As I ride the roller coaster of hope and despair in my faith life, I know God is next to me, strapped in the seat with me. Intellectually, I have confidence the Lord is suffering with me, as I face life's trials with my children, my husband, my parents, my siblings, my friends, and random strangers. In my heart, though, I wonder. I doubt. Do I really have to sacrifice so much to be holy? Can't I just be a "good person?"
Jesus says no. He tells us to leave everything behind, and we just heard this message several weeks ago, as well. He comes to bring division. We must say goodbye to our families. We must give up our riches. What must I let go of to deepen my relationship with Christ? What are the things I am gripping tightly in my fists, not allowing the Lord to take and make holy, regardless of the cost?
Do I worry about the results of following God's commands? Am I anxious about sacrificing "too much?" Do I feel there is a wall I must cross before truly embracing a path of holiness? How thick is that wall? How can I find the courage to scale it? Must I have ultimate control over certain people? relationships? personal goals?
Long ago, when my faith journey was just beginning, I knew sacrifice was necessary. I knew I had to lay things at the foot of the cross and release the control I hold so dear. I can't remember whether this idea was from a person or the Holy Spirit, but when I am holding on too tightly, I remember every detail.
~~~~~~~
Find quiet. Close your eyes. Imagine the altar that is most meaningful to you. Picture every detail. Now, although this all happens in your mind, imagine it as a physical activity. Pull off of your shoulders each of your individual burdens, one at a time, and lay them on that altar. Picture some object or person as you do this: your strong-willed child, your checkbook, your planner, your husband, your file on that church group you lead. Do it gently, deliberately, with care. Leave it there and pause to feel the weight removed before pulling off another. Once all the burdens from your shoulders are on the altar before you, begin to pull out of your mind all of the fears and doubts: your inadequacy, the future, God's love, God's judgment, being alone. Then, pull out of your heart all of the hurt and despair: a family fight, lack of hope, loss of a loved one. Grab each sin from your soul and set it there, not to desecrate the holy altar but to make holy the sin, to find its opposite virtue: pride turns to humility, anger turns to forgiveness, greed turns to charity. One at a time, place each "thing" on that sacrificial altar and let go of it. Give it to the Lord. After your entire sacrifice is done, when you have emptied your entire self, picture yourself walking away and leaving those things there on that altar. When you leave that church in your mind's eye, imagine those things still sitting there. You cannot take them with you. Walking away might be a challenge, a bit painful. Then, open your eyes; praise God for taking those burdens; and be at peace.
Whenever you find yourself holding on to one of those things again, find quiet, close your eyes, and imagine the altar... Now, I will speculate on one final sacrifice. Once you have done this exercise and can truly walk away empty handed, it's time to sacrifice your very self. Go back in and put on that altar each part of who you are - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Show the Lord that you heard His Gospel today, and you ARE counting the cost of faith. Tell Him you do want to be truly holy, no matter what it takes. Demonstrate you are walking the path to holiness, not just a journey of faith. Someday, soon I hope, maybe I can do the same.
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