St. Bernard of Clairvaux reminds us on this sad day when we await the Resurrection, that the devil cannot read our minds but only our actions. However, the very intelligent and clever demons, out to catch us and bring us to hell watch us very carefully.
They watch our physical habits, which is why abstemious behavior is good. They watch our spiritual habits, which is why prayer silently is best. They watch and listen to our speech, which is why silence and less talk rather than more is good.
They cannot, according to Thomas Aquinas, move our will. Only God and ourselves can move our will.
None of this, "The devil made me do it", stuff.
We control our wills, but these wills are weakened by a lack of temperance, prudence, justice and courage. If we show fear, they rush in to terrify us. If we exhibit piggishness in eating, a lack of temperance in food or talk or drink, they encourage our bad habits.
If we lack justice, which is connected to holiness which we owe to God through His creatures, they jump in and make us selfish.
If we do not pray and act with impetuosity, they encourage us to more imprudence.
If we let our emotions dictate our lives, we shall never be holy.
I am thinking of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother today.
She was in shock, I am sure, after watching the brutality inflicted on her Son.
She was grieving, like all loving mothers, but more so, in Perfect Love.
Yet, she trusted in God.
This is what we must do-trust in all things, at all times.
Trust in God and His ways, putting on the Mind of Christ.
Peaceful Pasch...to you all.
