If personal standards were a mountain, then some would climb
Everest and some might wade through a swamp.
Measuring up to God’s standards is easier said than done. The greatest obstacle is measuring up to our
own standards.
But for those who seek God, one of the hardest things to do
is accept his mercy and live with joy.
The words of saints can testify to this in their desire to seek
perfection. I prefer to think of it in a
more easily understood way.
Consider the actions of a beloved pet dog. The dog learns that he/she has done something
bad through trial and error. The dog
knows when you are displeased with it.
After that discipline and punishment is given, your pet does not dwell
in sorrow and mortification. He comes to
run, play, eat and poo again.
A priest I spoke with recently clarified the worst sins well
when he said that ‘of course sin in all its forms is bad, but for each person
the sin that offends Christ the most is one that keeps him from charity’.
God’s standards are pretty clearly written in the Scripture
and attested by the Traditions set forth by Jesus Christ himself. It is vital to accept Christ’s saving grace
in the absolution of confession and proceed with joy and charity. Spiritual mountain climbing then depends on
your gear.
