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From the Associate&
The Potholes
The roads seem to be worse this year than in the past, with regards to the post-Winter potholes. As I drive down Cretin Avenue in St. Paul, on my way to Church, I suddenly remember that the right lane, next to the curb, is extremely jarring, with severe potholes almost every ten feet. I stream to avoid them, almost bumping into the car in the left lane. The car behind me mimics my swerving. Later, on Hwy. 280, I remember almost exactly, where the potholes in each lane will be, and as I approach the curve near "Spaghetti Junction" (I believe that's what KTIS morning traffic guy, Dave Clutter, calls it: referring to the stretch where 35W and 36 come together for a short distance), I hug the white line, in order to avoid them.
These potholes are a pain in the rear end (pardon the pun); it is advantageous to know in advance, where the potholes will be, so as to avoid their jolting effect on the car. So also, it is a good thing, during the season of Lent, to take time to reflect on our sinful patterns, and consider what circumstances or occasions regularly lead us into temptation: i.e., what are the potholes for our soul? Does seeing R rated movies regularly, fill our minds with sexual or violent images that lead us to lust and anger towards others? Do the people we hang out with, constantly swear, gossip, and abuse alcohol, seducing us to enter into their type of conversation and lifestyle? Is our keeping up with the Joneses fueled by the vanity of the world and misappropriated values of our neighbors?
Part of the struggle to overcome sin, is to recognize the places and times, which give rise to temptation. Avoiding their encounter is a sign of the virtue of self-control and freedom to pursue holiness. Why travel for years upon years upon the same conflicted evil highway, when a smoother (though still difficult) less traveled road is available? Jesus fell three times on the way to Calvary, so that we might receive strength and wisdom from the Holy Spirit to at some point (and often after a long battle), avoid the potholes of sin, which have tripped us up a thousand times. Lent can really be a season of transformation.
Fr. Michael
Adult Faith Formation&
NO RELIGION CLASSES APRIL 10/11--PLEASE ATTEND HOLY WEEK SERVICES.
SEEKERS: ADULT THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB
Join us this Thursday, April 5 from 7:00--8:30 at the parish center for a discussion of The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Questions? Call Mary Ann Zervas at 651-633-1540.
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