How to Kick Yourself

The antenna on the atomic warhead at Hiroshima that signaled the bomb's detonation altitude was made - of all places - in Japan. Similarly, much of Iraq's weaponry employed in the Gulf War originated in America. War is replete with such ironies.

But so is spiritual warfare. Sin has a way of boomeranging on us with a vengence. Just as "the nations have fallen into the pit they have dug," warns David, "...the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands" (Ps 9:15-16).

In no form of evil is this self-poisioning more evident than in the sins of resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness The resentful person has a greatly heightened risk of several types of disorders, especially cardiovascular disease, report the researchers at Duke University Medical Center. We would do well to heed Paul's warning: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, ...along with every form of malice,...forgiving each other" (Eph 4:31-32).

In the ominous words of Proverbs, "if a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him" (Prv 26:27). The ancient Chinese proverb says it even more pithily: "If you would bury your enemy, dig two graves."

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net