That thorn in your paw

     There's always going to be that "thorn" that irritates you. That person that is always gossiping about you or that chore that needs to be done. That tired feeling after working that long strenuous day. There will always be something, some reminder of that "thorn in your paw", that until it's removed will bother you and make your whole being feel uncomfortable or hurt. 

     Until it is removed there is no comfort. Removal by confrontation or the pleading of forgiveness is just the right medicine we need to help us cope with the infirmities of our physical or mental weaknesses. It frees us from pain.  Frorm that uncomfortable feeling we get when defiance or self-pity overwhelms us. The only way to move on is to surrender it to God. It is not easy. Especially if you have been trying so very hard with that difficult person or situation that just keeps rebelling against you. 

     Anger is a tool of the evil one. I heard a great Catholic exorcist say that the devil of anger is named "Isis". He is powerful and mean.  Comparable to Satan himself. We must always stay in the state of Grace to fight this evil demon. Keeping St Michael close by, helps us do that. God's power and Holy Angels are way more powerful than any satanic beings that try to beat us. Satan and his demons are cruel and unruly. But God is God and He is just. We must be strong and courageous against them. We must choose God always and not succumb to the despair or anger the evil one and his minions try by setting snares to entrap us. Praying for discernment and guidance immediately in the waking hours helps us have a good start on our journey of the day. 

     We will always have "thorns in our paws" throughout our lives, but as the courageous David slay the lion that tormented his father's land and sheep, just as St. Jerome, who bravely extracted the Thorn from the lion's paw, may we continue to rely on the great physician of our souls. Our God, our Abba, our Father. Who will remove those thorns with his golden tweezers to relieve us and help us live again.