Practical Devotion of the Day: Reacting to the Falls of Sin

1.Every day new sins. Whoever claims to be sinless, lies, says the Apostle; the same righteous falls seven times. Can you take pride in spending a single day without the reproach of your conscience? In thoughts, words, works, intentions, patience, fervor, how many vicious and imperfect things you have to see! And how many sins you despise, like trifles! O my God, how many sins!

2. Whence come so many falls. Some are by surprise: but couldn't we be even more careful about these? Others are light: but Jesus said: watch; the Kingdom of God suffers violence. Others are of weakness; but if many holy souls have been able to sustain themselves to become strong, why can't we? Others are entirely voluntary malice, and these are the most guilty; why committed against such a good and terrible God!… And we replicate them with such ease!

3. How to avoid falls. Daily sins must lead us to humiliation, to repentance: never to despair! This does not help the amendment, rather it distances from God trusting in whom the Magdalene, the adulterers, the good thieves found salvation. Prayer, strong resolutions, constant vigilance, attendance to the Sacraments, assiduous meditations well done, are means capable of diminishing and preventing falls. How do you use these means?

PRACTICE. - Try to make the day pass without sin; recites nine Hail Marys to the Virgin.