WEEDS

On the rare occasions when we are blessed with rain here in Southern California, weeds start to grow nice and tall on our patio - until they start to wither and die towards the end of spring. By the time summer rolls around, they look terrible, and they make the patio look bad.

It seems to me that in the spiritual life, there are times when we mistakenly think that our bad habits and habitual sins are actually good qualities or even virtues like the beautiful tall green weeds. We might justify our impatience as assertiveness, or our criticism as constructive criticism, or not listening attentively when someone disagrees with us.

Pulling the perennial weeds that grow in the soil of our soul is an ongoing task that does not stop in the winter when the weeds are green and pretty to look at. In fact, it is a lot easier to pull weeds when they are green. And so it is with our soul, we would do well to pull the weeds that are constantly being watered by the evil spirits - as soon as they make their sneaky appearance.

The sacrament of penance is the best place to start. The work of conversion and transformation is non-stop. We need not rely on our own weak selves but instead rely on God's grace and cooperate with this grace through careful discernment and self-knowledge.?

Tending the soil of our soul is a full-time job and life-long process. If we desire eternal life and lasting happiness, we need to get to work - now. We need to be vigilant, and guided by the Holy Spirit, make the right decisions, avoid situations and relationships that may cause us to sin. The act of contrition ends with these beautiful words: I firmly resolve with the help of your grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.