Reflect on the challenges of letting go of sinful habits and embracing virtue. Discover how to guide your family in accepting positive change through faith.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34
The demons being driven out and into the herd of swine reminds me of our attachments to favorite sinful inclinations, those sins or imperfections that we have a really hard time giving up.
Maybe I pray for the virtue of patience frequently, but I do not really want to bear wrongs patiently. When someone has done something wrong that impacts me, I feel just in my impatience. Do I really have to give that up? Can't I just be patient when it suits me?
Maybe I decide I want to give more to the Church and charities, but not until after I spend my money on some unnecessary expenses. The Church will still get a donation; I'm still generous, right?
Letting go of these things is hard because if I truly let go, I know my whole life will have to change. When the people of the town all begged Jesus to leave them, they weren't open to the changes that He was bringing.
There is no time better than the present to teach our children to not be afraid of change when that change is growth in virtue and letting go of a pet vice.
We can lead by example and show our kids to not be afraid to go to Confession, to grow in virtue, or to practice the works of mercy, even if doing these things with intention means a change in how we live.
Ponder:
What bad habits, habitual sins, or imperfections do you need to offer up to the Lord? Ask Jesus for the grace to help you with these things today.
Pray:
Mother Mary, show me how to grow in virtue and accept the changes that this brings to my life.
Pray Together:
Learn the Chaplet of the Ten Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a family and try praying it together.
Copyright 2026 Margaret Rash
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