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James Martin, S.J.May 31, 2019
Photo by Simon Matzinger on Unsplash

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For most people, Easter seems to come and go. Why does Easter last so long for us? Well, the great mystery of the Resurrection, of Christ’s appearance to his disciples, is so rich that it takes us a while to appreciate it. To really hear, read, or reflect, on the many appearance stories: to Mary Magdalene, to Peter, to Thomas, and so on, takes time. But there may be another reason for the long liturgical season: the dying and rising of Christ both mirrors and reveals patterns in our own lives.

Of course none of us die and rise from the dead like Jesus Christ, but in our lives, dying and rising is something that we’re all familiar with. Or should be. We are constantly being invited to let go of any old patterns, habits or ways of being that prevent us from following the voice of God in our lives. This is often called by spiritual writers “dying to self.” We have to let all of those old habits “die,” in order to hear Jesus call us to new life. For some people that might mean letting go of their pride, for others an excessive focus on their physical health, for others the overwhelming need to be right about everything. So dying and rising should be happening all the time for us. And in us. It’s a way for us to participate in the beautiful mystery of the Resurrection, during the Easter season, and every day. Happy Easter!

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More: Prayer
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Dale Athlon
6 years ago

The vice of homosexual sexual gratification needs to be overcome. It’s probably the worst habit one can fall into, worse than porn addition since it’s so more dangerous.

Robert O'Connell
6 years ago

No less dangerous -- and for true Catholics -- is the failure to love God wholheartedly and our neighbors as Jesus loves us, especially for those who are ordained as priests (and even worse if a Bishop or Cardinal).

Close behind these vices I would nominate irresponsible behavior that allows clergy to continue sexual activity with others or that misleads others, and especially to cover up or otherwise condone such clergy activity, but also any negligence that results in unordained souls being subjected to sexual misconduct by the ordained.

Are we bringing an end to these problems?

Dale Athlon
6 years ago

Clerical sexual activity and abuse is overwhelmingly connected to homosexual vice and lust.

Mike Macrie
6 years ago

Pride is at the top of the list !
“The sin of pride (Latin superbia, or arrogance) is found in our craving for superiority over those around us and that sees other people as inferior to us. At times, it may be appropriate to see ourselves as better at something than another person—for example, if you’ve ever golfed or played tennis, you are sure to be better at it than I am—but when we see ourselves as better, when we assume we should be over or ahead of others because of who we are, we have fallen into pride.
Similarly, pride can manifest itself as unwarranted confidence in one’s own abilities. The student who doesn’t bother to study because she’s smart or the worker who doesn’t prepare for a meeting or an assignment because “he’s got this” are both guilty of pride manifesting itself as acedia (sloth).”

John Chuchman
6 years ago

Including clerical misogyny?

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