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Holy Cross Abbey

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Friday of the 1st Week of Lent

March 11, 2022 by Fr Joseph

In an interesting interpretation of Jesus’ admonition that we settle with [our] opponent quickly while on the way to court, the Desert Father, Isaiah the Solitary, identifies the “opponent” with conscience. As we know, in the long spiritual journey towards becoming truly holy (by our being conformed to Christ), conscience can be experienced as an opponent (and even an enemy) as its demands thwart our self-will and curb those unruly desires that lead to sin, and to the marring of our human dignity. When we disregard or suppress our conscience (and sin) then while remaining our opponent, conscience also becomes our accuser—filling us with guilt and shame. Settling with our opponent while on the way is (according to St. Isaiah) befriending our conscience, heeding its voice resonating deep within our hearts, and gradually discovering that conscience is our friend and benefactor—leading us to the fullness of life and the flourishing of our human nature. Failure to settle with this opponent condemns us to a life of misery and unhappiness that has us dreading death and appearing before Christ our Judge. Therefore, may our continuing Lenten observances include settling with [our] opponent while still on the way, trusting that conscience is actually our friend, benefactor, and liberator.

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