Master Sin

One of the things we have to do as Candidates to the diaconate is writing a reflection (not a Homily yet!!).  This particular reflection was for the celebration of the Eucharist we were offering at a Life Care center near my house.  Sadly, due to snow, we had to postpone it.  It was for February 18, 2019.  Click on the link to see the readings for that day.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021819.cfm

So the LORD said to Cain: “Why are you so resentful and crestfallen. If you do
well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door:

his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.”  

Even though it’s not an easy task we still must all master sin instead of letting sin
master us.  We have to be ready to use our tools that the Church has given us
to defeat Sin. These tools are things like prayer, meditation, the rosary, fasting
and most importantly the Eucharist.  The Pharisees wanted a sign from heaven
to test Jesus. We don’t need to ask Jesus for a sign because Jesus is here with
us now, present fully in the Eucharist. If you have the opportunity, spend time in
Eucharistic adoration. Open your hearts to what is present in front of you. The
next time we participate in the Mass and are about to receive the Eucharist,
pray for the Holy Spirit to open our minds and our hearts prior to receiving this
most important sign of our faith, that which is the soul and body of our Lord
Jesus Christ.

St. Francis de Sales gives us some great advice on the Eucharist. “When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence."