How do you handle stains … on your soul?

   Each and every sin that we commit leaves a stain on our soul.  Yes, Confession cleans us of these stains, but the damage remains.  And sometimes, the damage makes it easier for us to fall into the same sin.  It is harder for one who has never viewed pornography to view pornography than the person who has done so.  They know how to and the damage left behind provides a place for the Devil to tempt them.

   The longer we live with stains on our soul without going to Confession makes it harder for us.  We not only begin to accept our stains, but they do more damage.  Leaving stains on clothes longer before washing them makes them harder to come out.  Not repairing a small scratch on the bottom of a car door can lead to rust, especially in Wisconsin.  These little stains have grown and have now done more damage.

   And so it is with our soul.  If we let a stain, however small, remain on our soul, it entrenches itself into our being.  Indeed, it leads to greater stains like the rusted car door.  If we accept our small stain, we will start accepting larger stains.  We need a regular cleaning in order that we do not accept larger and more numerous sins upon our soul.  We need a regular routine for Confession.  Get one if you do not already have one!

   The phrase slippery slope exists for a reason.  Indeed, sinning is a slippery slope unless we are constantly trying to fight against it.  If you accept a lesser evil, eventually you will accept greater evils.  The lesser evils are the foundation for the greater evils.  It was because of contraception that abortion was accepted.  If you accept that you should be able to have sex without accepting the great responsibility for your actions, you will eventually accept anything that supports you in that, even to the point of killing another person.

   Mary, you accepted your role as Mother of God and by doing so, you became Mother of all.  You never denied your great responsibility towards your Son, Jesus, and to us, though it has and continues to cause you much pain.  Help us to do as we ought, so that we might alleviate your pain Mom and especially the pain of Jesus, Who longs for our salvation. Amen.