the streetcar named desire
"Reject godless ways and worldly desires." —Titus 2:12
Many of our desires are contradictory and destructive. Therefore, in His mercy, "the grace of God has appeared, offering salvation" and training us "to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age" (Ti 2:11-12). The Lord commands us: "Live soberly" (1 Pt 1:13), and "do not yield to the desires that once shaped you in your ignorance" (1 Pt 1:14). "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God" (1 Pt 4:2). "You must lay aside your former way of life and the old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire" (Eph 4:22). Unless worldly desires are rejected, they will deform us, take away our lives, and cause our lives to deteriorate. Therefore, "those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24).
Father Al Lauer, founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body, said near the end of his life: "The more I say 'No' to myself, the more I say 'Yes' to the Holy Spirit." Ask the Spirit to lust against the desires of your flesh (Gal 5:17) and give you the strength to crucify your desires. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Cor 3:17). Do not be enslaved by your desires but be free in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may my desire for You be so encompassing that all my worldly desires will be rejected and crucified.
Promise: "The just shall possess the land and dwell in it forever." —Ps 37:29
Praise: St. Martin strove to do the right thing his entire life and was used by God because of his great zeal. He spent the last eleven years of his life in humble toil, preparing for glory.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Don't Stifle the Spirit on audio AV 56-3 or video V-56.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014
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