The Power of Poor Souls' Prayers!
Are You Guilty of the Sin of 'Detraction'?
On the back of our bulletin this weekend, the topic of the article was detraction.
Father Mathew Allman, CSSR stated that "we commit the sin of detraction when we without objectively valid reasons, disclose another's faults and failing to persons who did not know them."
In other words, folks - we gossip!
Or, in my case, I just 'vent' about what others are doing in my life to overwhelm me with stress. Or, God forgive me, I complain about my husband's weaknesses, faults and bad habits. (Side note: Did you know this is a verbal way of being unfaithful to your spouse?)
...Father William may regret that article, for I will have a whole new area to confess to him.
But thank you God for revealing an area of "Thou Shall Not" on my list of habits to work on correcting!
Here's the kicker: detraction is a form of distraction. When we talk about others to others, we are actually trying to distract from our own faults and failings. To build ourselves up, we put others down. - "Oh did you hear what they did?"
Am I right? Of course I am, for I see this tactic in my own actions.
Detraction has really gotten out of hand in our world today, just as many other broken commandments have. Our leaders detract in many ways in order to distract us from what they are not doing. The same can be said about famous celebrities who have entire shows dedicated to "detracting" about what others do. They want their shows, or themselves, to be elevated at the cost of destroying another's reputation. 'Cancel culture' feeds off of detraction, judging others as enemies of our society. And this particular evil is getting worse. Someday, they may be canceling someone you love - or even you!
So, dear beloved of God, let us not join in on this 'vocal mob.' Let us not spread rumors or gossip (even if true!) about others. May the words we speak be only words that are kind and loving. If we can't say something nice about someone - let's zip it!
Which means you cannot say that the author of this article (me) is a "WILD, WACKY, WONDERFUL WOMAN!"
(Oh yes you can; I give you permission to spread that truth to everyone everywhere! :) )
Just like we must spread the good news about every person we know and love. We must make sure that everyone sees them in a positive way to the best of our ability. We should strive for a reputation of: "He or she never spoke bad about anyone. They always had a kind word to share."
As disciples of Our Lord, we are called to go forth among the people, and spread the "Good News." So, start by giving people you see and love a compliment!
After all, bragging on them is the same as praising God's handiwork.
About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
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