Would you be afraid of tipping over in this type of water? What type of critters are just below the surface of the water? I have only been in a canoe once in my life, and I was far from being steady. Would I be willing to to go canoeing in the state of Louisiana in a place like this? Not a chance!
It takes practice for us to strengthen skills. Athletics, water sports, music, business, artistic endeavors, and a multitude of other things require learning. We don't become masters of anything without doing the hard work. We study, we observe, we practice. In this way we develop proficiency skills at the particular task at hand.
The spiritual journey is no different. We typically don't become saints in a flash, although some people like St. Paul had dramatic experiences when they encountered God. Being holy requires practice and perseverance. It requires study to learn. It requires sacrifice. It requires prayer. How do we learn to pray? We learn by actually praying.
If I had to canoe in the water pictured above, I would start by practicing in a nice clear lake. Once I had developed my skills sufficiently I may be willing to go to someplace like this if there was a good reason for doing so.
The Church is finding itself in some yucky water like this right now with the new revelations from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury. It will be tough paddling for a while. However, for those of us accustomed to the spiritual battle, we can canoe safely and surely through these murky waters. Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ.
It takes practice for us to strengthen skills. Athletics, water sports, music, business, artistic endeavors, and a multitude of other things require learning. We don't become masters of anything without doing the hard work. We study, we observe, we practice. In this way we develop proficiency skills at the particular task at hand.
The spiritual journey is no different. We typically don't become saints in a flash, although some people like St. Paul had dramatic experiences when they encountered God. Being holy requires practice and perseverance. It requires study to learn. It requires sacrifice. It requires prayer. How do we learn to pray? We learn by actually praying.
If I had to canoe in the water pictured above, I would start by practicing in a nice clear lake. Once I had developed my skills sufficiently I may be willing to go to someplace like this if there was a good reason for doing so.
The Church is finding itself in some yucky water like this right now with the new revelations from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury. It will be tough paddling for a while. However, for those of us accustomed to the spiritual battle, we can canoe safely and surely through these murky waters. Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ.
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