Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Sometimes late at night when I can’t fall asleep I have cravings for something to eat. So I will go sit in front of the television and work my way through a number of different snacks. Often something sweet followed by something salty. The question is do I really need to be eating at 11:30 pm. Of course it does not help that this is when the food advertisements are pushing one toward a feeding frenzy. Still this begs the question, “Do I obey the cravings, or do I act according to reason?” Often the cravings and the commercials have already guided me to the pantry. Confronted by the intellect and the will I am given the choice, do I obey the cravings or reason which reminds me that junk food is not good for my health.
Health is an ambiguous term which can lead me to rationalize that the food is not “too bad” or “I can walk it off tomorrow.” Still rationalizing can lead one into obedience of one’s passions if not careful. This example illustrates in a small way how Paul’s letter is still challenging us today. “Sin must not reign over your mortal bodies.” (Rom 6:12) For Paul this is not a polite request, but an expectation.
If someone watched us or followed us around we might not like what they would see. They might perceive the sinners that we are. Of course they most likely would also see that we desire to be saints. Consider your own wrestling with sin, are you a slave who is obedient to cravings, or are you obedient to the righteousness to which you are called. For most of us this dichotomy is to simple. In reality, we are all sinners who are in the process of being sanctified.
“Merciful God, continue to send messengers into our lives who challenge us to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel; so when the master arrives, he will find us doing his will. Amen.”
- Michael Montgomery