From time to time during the past few months, yard sale signs have been popping up like mushrooms throughout the neighborhood. It is amazing how people flock to yard sales searching for some great "bargain," even though they don't really need the "object." The truth being known, it does not improve or better their life, and frequently it never gets used. It was a waste of time and money. Yard sales seem to become an addiction for some people!
There seems to be a parallel addiction in our spiritual lives as well. The devil is always tempting us with some "bargain," which fails to satisfy our inner needs, and eventually is nothing more than a waste of some spiritual blessing. Anyone with a keen spiritual outlook on life is well aware of the spiritual "yard sales" tempting us every day of our lives; special bargains for sensational sex, great opportunities to amass a fortune, the quick and easy ladder to fame, or the sure key to power, along with many other secret and underhanded promises; all which lead to disappointment, destruction and despair.
Addictions are hard to control, and require the grace of God, the support of family and friends, and the persistent efforts of the individual in order to overcome and eliminate them from our lives.
If we are confronted with an addiction, we must not despair, but rather turn to Jesus who is willing and ready to help us to overcome whatever compulsion or problem we face. When a loved one, or parishioner, is burdened with an addiction, we are not to sit in judgement, or condemn them, but quietly and lovingly pray for them and patiently encourage and assist them in their efforts to break free; to help them realize that the "bargain" the devil offers them will not satisfy their inner need for union with Jesus, and eventually will lead to disappointment, self-destruction and much pain for loved ones.
Time and time again, the devil has ruined loving relationships, and destroyed beautiful families as a result of his "yard sale bargains"; tempting and misleading people into seeking some passing sexual gratification, which eventually leads to the dissolution of their marriage. Only the person of deep faith is capable of warding off the "specialties" of the devil; he is a "smoothie"; a professional deceiver.
Some people find it difficult to cope with the inordinate desire to get ahead; to win or acquire the "quick" buck, and to keep up with the "well to do," when some of their friends are seemingly achieving worldly success, and so are tempted to veer from the straight and narrow path and become involved in "shady" deals; only to find that they lose their fortune and good name in the deal.
Besides those who are inclined to play sex roulette, and those who recklessly gamble their reputation through immoral transactions, we also have those who destroy themselves through illegal means to climb the dangerous ladder to achieve power and control.
Compulsory addictions afflict our spiritual lives just as much as they do our material lives, and frequently are more deceptive and difficult to eliminate. Modern day life is hectic with all its demands, challenges and bargains. As a result we look for a quick fix "yard sales"; pleasure, power and possessions, which clutter our lives, and make it difficult for us to find room for Jesus, who alone can satisfy the cravings of our soul.
Just as summer is the time of fruition for vegetables, plants and trees, so too it is the time for spiritual accountability. Hopefully we are developing a reverential love and appreciation for the mass and the sacraments, and a place for prayer in our daily lives so that it will produce lasting "fruit": salvation. Beware of "yard sales"; the devil's enticement to fool you with passing worldly gratification!