Who Loses Eighty Pounds Getting Washed?

The Statue of Liberty loses eight pounds each day by copper loss from annual rainfall. Each raindrop erodes only an infinitesimal bit of copper from Lady Liberty. But, as the dictum has it, "many bits make a big bite."

Little things can do great damage, either because they're disregarded or not noticed. "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards" says the Song of Songs (2:15). Long-neglected small failings can ruin the "vineyard" of our soul.

"There is sin that does not lead to death" (1 Jn 5:17), called venial sin. But, like refuse, if not disposed of, it can breed things far more obnoxious - possibly even eventual failure by mortal sin.

To risk, even remotely, the bankruptcy of one's immortal soul would be foolhardy. The "what-does-it-profit-man?" challenge of Jesus is applicable in the accumulating of the garbage of sin. Why"? The problem with accumulating habitual smaller sins, like gossip, impatience, or occupation with worldly entertainment, is that, unlike failing by an occasional mortal sin, the soul is often without remorse - and that's a dangerous state; disaster is then not far away. But those found "trustworthy in a very small matter" (Lk 19:17), promises Jesus, will be given a superabundant reward.

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