Light jacket weather this morning, and spring is really on the way. Well, the trees are nearly all in leaf, and the light green of the early leaf is starting to turn a deeper color now. Soon to be covered with dust. Well, rain usually makes them sparkle again, and rain is a little short right now, but some more is promised.
The word ‘sin’ is little used among religious people today. The emphasis is on us. If we can just muster more effort, we will be OK. It is significant that in the Bible, the Book of Genesis starts with “In the beginning God”, and ends with this statement, “In a coffin, in Egypt”. That shows plainly that the man who was created to live, died. Why? Because “There not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not”.
Lately I have been re-reading a little book that deals with temptations and wrestles with understanding the cause. The Book, title: “Hurdles To Heaven”, explains how temptations come from envy, for example. Pilate knows that the Religious leaders have brought Jesus to him for trial “because of envy”.(Mark 15,10). Jesus was wiser than they were, a better person, and people “heard Him gladly”. They could not tolerate that, so they conspired against him.
The root of envy is discontent at another’s good fortune. A little tale of a hermit in the desert is being tempted by devils, and he easily resist their lures. Then another comes along and whispers to the hermit, “Your brother was just appointed bishop of Alexandria” and a scowl of envy crosses his face. “This is the temptation I would recommend” he tells his fellows.”
Envy is what makes someone murmur, “He got that promotion, but I can’t go into the details”. That is why James writes of the tongue, as “an unruly evil that no one can tame”. For words, once spoken, can’t be taken back. St. Francis was once approached by a woman who had gossiped much, admitting her guilt and offering to make it well. St. Francis told her to take goose feathers, and place one on the doorstep of each person she had talked about. So she did, and when she came back to say the task was done he said, “Not quite, now gather them all in again” “I can’t” she said, “The wind has scattered them all”. “Just so.” was his reply.
The 8th commandment teaches us to “Put the best construction on everything”. That is wise. Is what I do or say helpful, or not? Does it hurt, or heal? That is one struggle we all have. Envy is the cause of many sins. We do well to be aware of this, and the terrible consequences. May God help us.
GPD 4/3/08
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