We were made to be saints. But, now, we aren’t – well, I’m not.
“I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15
Our inclination is not toward God but toward sin. What!?!? Yes, it’s called concupiscence. In its simplest form, concupiscence can be defined as a strong desire or lust. However, in the context of the Bible, it carries a deeper, more specific meaning. Concupiscence, in biblical terms, refers to the inner human tendency or inclination towards sin.
This makes no sense to me, not should it to any disciple of Jesus. I know, beyond a doubt, that what Jesus offers me is better than everything (combined) that the world could dream to give. I know the wrong I do separates me from the Best part of my life (God) and risks my enteral life and treasures. Yet, I do these things anyway. Really?!? Yeah.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
There is hope! Hint: His Name is Jesus.
How do we overcome this inclination?
Realize that God loves you just as you are but He loves you too much to leave you as you are. Realize that even in your sinful inclinations, God wants you to be a saint. Despite these inclinations, God is calling you to be a great saint.
The more a soul struggles, the more the soul should frequent the Sacraments. Reconciliation brings the soul back to life in forgiveness but also arms the soul with grace to move forward and upward. The grace given by God through His one, holy, Catholic Church armors the soul and strengthens him more than spinach does for Popeye. This grace gives the soul strength to resist and if he falls, to get up and come back to the Mercy seat again.
The Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist is THE strength and power of the Christian soul. This alone can tip the scales to sanctification. Jesus, body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist gives us all the graces of God’s Treasury. This alone is enough to overcome concupiscence. If the soul but holds to a mustard seed of faith and trust in God.
“Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day” John 6:54
“I Myself will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 48
There is hope, even in the battle. The devil is very loud and vocal speaking lies, words of hate to the soul. But, God says the battle is Mine (Exodus 14:14). Stop fighting as if you have to win – this just makes losses seem personal. Start surrendering to God through Divine Mercy, and His Church’s gifts in the Sacraments – the fight is God’s and He already won.
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
Oh yea! Don’t forget to ask your mother, Mary for help. She’s the most perfect and loving of mothers and will assist you through the little battles and to her Son’s side.