"...of the utmost importance..."

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Third principle: We must rid ourselves of what is evil in us

1. Our best actions are usually tainted and spoiled by the evil that is rooted in us. When pure, clear water is poured into a foul-smelling jug, or wine into an unwashed cask that previously contained another wine, the clear water and the good wine are tainted and readily acquire an unpleasant odour. In the same way when God pours into our soul, infected by original and actual sin, the heavenly waters of his grace or the delicious wines of his love, his gifts are usually spoiled and tainted by the evil sediment left in us by sin. Our actions, even those of the highest virtue, show the effects of it. It is therefore of the utmost importance that, in seeking the perfection that can be attained only by union with Jesus, we rid ourselves of all that is evil in us. Otherwise our infinitely pure Lord, who has an infinite hatred for the slightest stain in our soul, will refuse to unite us to himself and will drive us from his presence.

Continuing to re-read St. Louis De Montfort’s treatise on "True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin", today , I realize how very important this short paragraph #78 is, and why in the 33 day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, St. Louis asks that the first 12 days be spent in striving to rid oneself of the world. We need to ask God’s Grace to discern in the depths of our heart, what road we are on in our life. Are we on the narrow road that leads to Life eternal or are we “in the world and of the world”, traveling the broad road that Jesus tells us in His Gospel leads to destruction? (cf Mt 7:13)

In my post on this Forum yesterday, I mentioned: God Willing, I hope to begin posting daily - on Feb. 20, tomorrow, and on each of the 33 days of my own journey toward renewing my Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary , ending Mar. 25. If you are interested you may want to read daily threads which I hope to post, following the outline written by the St. Louis in True Devotion. If you have never read his little treatise, the link above will take you to the online version.