Exhale and Hearty

An amazing breath analyzer developed in Columbus, Ohio, can diagnose various diseases by detecting specific chemicals in a patient's breath. Dimethyl sulfide indicates liver disease, amines are linked to lung cancer, diabetics breathe out acetone, and heart-disease persons show traces of pentane. Researchers soon hope to be able to detect colon cancer and other deadly diseases, as well as air pollution in homes and workplaces, with this simple and painless technique.

Like a human body, a diseased soul, riddled with sin habits, gives off indicators of the disorder within. A hope-weak person breathes out an aura of depression or negativity. A hate-filled, resentful person radiates rancor and rebellion, An impatient person is upset by even mild adversities, A lustful person cannot long conceal sexual innuendos or a subtle acting out of lascivious fantasies. A vain or prideful person shows egocentric behavior or speech. An uncharitable person is a fountain of gossip, slander, or detraction, Each sin-habit "breathes out" its own form of poison.

In its original etymology, the word spirit means "breath." "Bad breath" would show a bad spirit within. diagnosing the reported behavior of the Corinthians, Paul suspected that they were diseased with "quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder" (2 Cor 12:20). we might check our breath every so often. We may need more than mouthwash.

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