Confession & the Devil (aka he who I just named)
Posted by bob on June 26, 2008
On Tuesday I received Sacramental Absolution in Confession by a validly ordained Priest in the Diocese of Memphis. I have done my penance. I have praised God for His mercy and forgiveness. And yet, yesterday was one of the hardest days I’ve had in a long time. Why?
In my role as youth minister at St. Francis I have to prioritize my time and energy and decide which teens to work with the most. The Core Team is called to develop relationships with all teens and to be examples for them. (Note: core team is a group of adult volunteers who mentor and befriend the teens). I often take the approach Jesus took. “But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.” (MT 9:12 NAB)
I spend my time with those who need, I believe, to hear Jesus the most. This is not an illusion that I am somehow Christ, or have His power. It is an action of prayer that I could pray for them, learn about them, pray for them more, and love them as Jesus calls. I prioritize my time so I can spend it with the teens who need Jesus the most.
So, what does this have to do with the Devil and my Confession. Well, like a pot that has not boiled, why add noodles. (there are some of you who don’t get that, it’s okay, we love you anyway.).
The Devil was looking at me as easy money. I did not need tending too because I was already in the fold. The Devil did not see me as one to spend time and energy on because I wasn’t fighting for Christ, I was in a state of sin. No need to deal with this one.
However, once I chose to go to Confession, WOW. Things have changed a little. Now I’m straying from he who must not be named. Now I’m fighting for God in my life. Now I’m no longer easy money.
Funny how we can have a bad day, yell at those we love, struggle to deal with the most trivial things, and not even begin to question why. I woke up today and the first thing I thought of was “wow, how stupid am I. Today Devil, you won’t have soo much fun. Today, I will seek God, and He has already won the victory.”
Man I feel better on the inside. Outside I’m tired and I have a cold and I feel horrible. But God is shining down mercy and love to shine through the darkness.
“The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.” -Ex 15:3 (NAB)
We must be vigilant. I forgot this. Today I’m renewed in war and battle.
Mary, please pray for our purity.
Joseph, pray for us in battle.
