There is something that I have learned the hard way. It took me many years to discover and at the age of fifty seven I can say with certainty that it is a universal truth: We are defined more by what we do NOT do, than by what we do. Our renunciations are more important than our affirmations. In fact, renunciation is itself an action.
One can go to daily Mass and receive Holy Communion, pray rosary after rosary and visit many churches on a regular basis. You can read all about visionaries and the apparitions of the Blessed Mother. I know many people that do these exact things, including relatives and including myself!, but I tell you that I know a person that does none of these things and he is one of the most honorable and Christian acting people I have ever met. It is because he has integrity and kindness in everything he does; he makes no promises he doesn’t keep and he does more for the poor and suffering than any religious person I know, and he never talks about it.
You see, it is what we say no to that shows what we value. It is what we say no to that deepens our eternal yes. It is better not to profess holy things if you betray the Lord of the holy. It will go better for the Roman soldiers that crucified Our Lord on the Day of Judgement than for the pious Catholic that drives by the homeless and who castigates and judges others, who does not fulfill the implicit vows they make in every prayer they say. Often it is ignorance that saves. Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. For some people I would also pray- Father forgive them, for they know exactly what they do!
What do you say no to? Know yourself and choose your renunciations wisely.
O God, give me the grace to say no to that which is unhealthy and unloving. Help me not to be a hypocrite and especially give me the grace not to judge others; Let me leave all the judging to You, for you are the only One qualified to judge, O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen.
