Enough Already!

Every parent has experienced the story. We keep giving instructions to our children, and they keep ignoring them. Then in an instant parents escalate their instructions to threats. The threats come with guilt because parents really don’t like to threaten their children. Inside every parent is saying, “Enough already! Just do what I told you!”

Brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not irksome to me, and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evil-workers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. Though  I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If any other man  thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee, as to zeal a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ.

Philippians 3.1-8

Saint Paul experienced the same story. Jesus says the same thing, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” (Matthew 17.17) It would appear that little children are not the only ones who ignore instructions. Yet, Saint Paul kept teaching and repeating. Jesus kept teaching and repeating and forgiving.

One of these days, we will embrace the teachings of Christ and His Church without being threatened. God doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him. He wants to us to love Him. EVERY good parent feels guilty when the screaming monster appears to ‘inspire’ children to clean their room. It would be so much easier if we all just did what we already knew was right.

So, let’s use today’s reading from Saint Paul as another reminder that God is calling us to a better life. Today is the day we will ‘clean our hearts’ without waiting for God to scream. Call your spiritual father today and schedule a confession. Get the ball rolling with forgiveness. Enough is enough!