Don't Bash the Trash Collector

   Garbage collectors are somewhat taken for granted as they go about their malodorous task. But their importance becomes obvious when a city-wide garbage collectors' strike erupts; that's when the maggoty garbage piles up day after day, as flies and rats breed freely. If the strike is unresolved, the threat of disease sets in. In some ways our health depends on garbage collectors as much as it does on doctors and other caregivers.

   It is Jesus, our spiritual "garbage collector," who removes our sinful soul-garbage that spreads through every part of us, contaminating the heart, mind, imagination, memory, and especially the soul itself. 

   Everyone needs garbage removed. As Romans tells us: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Yet, for garbage to be collected, two things must be done: First, we must put the garbage out, as David did: "I acknowledged my sin to you...I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" (Ps 32:5). Secondly, we must let the Lord do the work, "and you forgave the guilt of my sin." It is not we who overcome sin with Jesus' help, but Jesus with our help (that is, our repentance).

   But we can do even more - we can stay garbage-free thereafter. How? By simply living in him in loving intimacy, says John: "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning" (1 Jn 3:6). A truly God-centered person may not be totally free of faults, but such a person's life is not characterized by sinfulness.

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