PUTTING ON THE NEW SELF
By Fr. Steve T., www.kerygmafamily.com

Sometimes in our conversation there can be a tendency to glory in past sins rather than dismissing them as something not worth dwelling on. I can remember times when I have sat around with old friends reminiscing on the days gone by and cataloging and laughing about all the misdeeds we got up to as school friends. When I reflect upon such an act I come to the conclusion that it is not the right thing to do - glorying in past wrongs -  as it is not being faithful to the putting off of the old self and welcoming in the new one that comes with faith in Christ.

There is a time to remember past sins, but never to glory in them. Our remembrance of sin should always be along the lines of sharing how the power and love of Christ has transformed me from my evil ways into the person I am now! Anything less than this gives glory to Satan rather than Christ as it does not properly acknowledge the damage that may have been done by those willful actions of my youth.

St. Paul exhorts the Colossians to put on the new and be done with the old precisely because he wants to ensure that their focus will be the life that comes through faith in Christ and not the death dealing power of sin and Satan. The same should be true for us - we all need to focus on the positive possibilities of life lived under the power of God and not allow ourselves to be captured in any way by the seductive powers of sin. So often stories of sin seem to be so much more exciting than those of righteousness; nevertheless, we should focus on the latter and reject the former.

Jesus calls us to a new life of holiness lived for Him and with Him. Let us set our eyes, minds and hearts on being faithful to this call and leaving any of the attractions of sin and the world a long way behind us! Fr. Steve T.

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do I sometimes or even often glory in past escapades that are sinful or bordering on sin? If so, it is time to decide to leave these thoughts to themselves and focus upon all that is good and holy and perfect.

Holy Spirit, help me to see that sin should never be given any attention or glory except to talk about its defeat. Help me to renew my mind in the things that come only from Your love and truth.