Christ tends to use black/white categories. His approach is not meant to gloss over the very fallen and complicated reality of our fallen nature, but illustrate the trajectory of our final judgment, when we submit or decline to believe in the Christ. St. Thomas Aquinas explains that wholeness or inner-peace is experienced when all of our appetites find alignment, and are not at war with one another. The reality is, as fallen beings, we tend to be fragmented. Where we expose these fragmented parts of ourselves to Him, He brings them into alignment and bestows a simplicity to the soul, where there is not a contrast between good and evil, but purity and goodness. This involves a process - but the end of the process is black/white. We cannot be saved if we definitively choose to not expose our fragmented self to Christ, and believe and trust in His healing power. In such a case, we prefer that no light will shine on us.
A concrete recommendation is to attend confession by utilizing an examination of conscience. Many times people go to confession with the sins they are conscious of, becoming unaware of the other areas that also are opposed to good will. The examination of conscience, prayerfully examined, will act as a mirror, bringing to the surface by the light of Christ, that which needs healing.
“As we prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, allow Christ to draw you out of the darkness and into the light of his love. Hold fast to the truth that happiness can only be found in the arms of our heavenly Father through Christ His Son.” - Amen 🙏. Thank you for your beautiful gospel reflection today!
Christ tends to use black/white categories. His approach is not meant to gloss over the very fallen and complicated reality of our fallen nature, but illustrate the trajectory of our final judgment, when we submit or decline to believe in the Christ. St. Thomas Aquinas explains that wholeness or inner-peace is experienced when all of our appetites find alignment, and are not at war with one another. The reality is, as fallen beings, we tend to be fragmented. Where we expose these fragmented parts of ourselves to Him, He brings them into alignment and bestows a simplicity to the soul, where there is not a contrast between good and evil, but purity and goodness. This involves a process - but the end of the process is black/white. We cannot be saved if we definitively choose to not expose our fragmented self to Christ, and believe and trust in His healing power. In such a case, we prefer that no light will shine on us.
A concrete recommendation is to attend confession by utilizing an examination of conscience. Many times people go to confession with the sins they are conscious of, becoming unaware of the other areas that also are opposed to good will. The examination of conscience, prayerfully examined, will act as a mirror, bringing to the surface by the light of Christ, that which needs healing.
Excellent article and very well written - concise, cogent, logical and truthful. Most impressive!
“As we prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, allow Christ to draw you out of the darkness and into the light of his love. Hold fast to the truth that happiness can only be found in the arms of our heavenly Father through Christ His Son.” - Amen 🙏. Thank you for your beautiful gospel reflection today!