June 18

Dangers Of The World

Preparation. - "Woe to the world, because of scandals," says Jesus (Mat. 18. 7). That we may the better understand the necessity of watchfulness and prayer, we shall consider, first, the dangers of the world, and secondly, how we may be preserved therefrom. Whence we shall conclude that we should never trust our resolution, but should carefully shun dangerous occasions and practice continual mental prayer. "They were persevering with one mind in prayer" (Acts 1. 14).

I. The Dangers Met With In The World.

Worldlings, being immersed in things material, can speak only of what is earthly. Their worldly conversations gradually inspire a relish for worldly vanities, and even at times endanger the virtue of their listeners. Their mouths resemble "open sepulchers" (Ps. 5. 11), whence escape pestilential words, which spread diseases and death in the soul. Woe to those who find pleasure in being with persons accustomed to speak of matters that wound modesty and faith! They should be shunned, as we would shun those infected with disgusting and contagious diseases.

The world is full of scandals even from those who have faith. According  to St. Bernard, the Church seems to say to us: "The pagans, and even heretics leave me in peace; but I can have none with my scandalous children for they persecute me without ceasing." "Woe to the world, because of scandals," says our divine Saviour.

It behooves us, then, to use the greatest precautions when living in the world, lest we be allured by the evil examples of those who lead a bad life. Salvation is a personal affair; if others wish to be lost, it is a fresh motive for us to be on our guard. Let us, therefore, most carefully shun dangerous occasions, especially in what concerns chastity. "He that loveth danger," says the Holy Ghost, "shall perish therein" (Eccli. 3. 27). It is easy to conquer a temptation suggested by Satan, because we need only to pray in order to gain the victory. But as to dangerous occasions, besides prayer flight is necessary; for if we do not keep away from them, we run the risk of becoming victims of our own imprudence.

O Jesus, make known to me what may expose me to fall into sin, and help me to avoid it at any cost. Keep me closely united to Thee; to Thy grace and Thy will, so that until my last moment I may escape all the snares besetting my path. Enable me, first, never to pay attention to the impious and unchaste conversations of worldlings, and secondly, to redouble my fervor in proportion as the world increases its scandals and snares to lead me astray.

II. How We May Preserve Ourselves From The Dangers Of The World.

"Beware of false prophets," said our Saviour to His disciples, "who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Mat. 7. 15). These false prophets are no other than those worldlings, who come to us in the guise of friendship, honesty and virtue, but with no other design than to seduce us. "You shall know them by their fruits," adds our Lord (Ibid. 16); that is, their speech and conduct will soon show you what they really are in themselves and in the sight of God.

Flee from them as from venomous serpents; in this matter never give way to human respect, for, says St. Paul, "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3. 12). Sinners will not put up with the good, because the holy life of these is a constant reproach and condemnation of their scandalous behavior. Wherefore, if we wish to practice our religious duties faithfully, we must despise "what will people say about it." Our progress in piety, nay, our very salvation often depends on our courage to trample the world under foot, and to keep Jesus in our thoughts, words and conduct.

On the other hand, let us never consider ourselves strong enough to expose ourselves to danger. "Prudence," says the old adage, "is the mother of security." He who knows human frailty, will keep entirely away from dangerous reading, balls, shows, and those friendships and companions that may prove dangerous to his piety and innocence. He will not rely on his own resolutions, knowing that God and his conscience forbid this self-reliance, when his eternity is at stake.

Let us examine, first, whether we do not too easily allow ourselves certain amusements, certain reading, certain relations or conversations that expose us to fall into sin; and secondly, whether we are careful to watch and pray, as our Lord enjoins; that is, whether we faithfully perform our spiritual exercises, frequent the sacraments, say our beads, for these are the necessary nourishment of the fervor of a soul desirous of loving God.

O Jesus, give me the strength to shun the world and to devote myself more constantly to prayer, which is my mainstay in this vale of miseries and dangers. And thou, my loving Mother Mary, protect me against my own frailty and the snares of the enemies of my salvation.