In a world increasingly saturated with ideas and habits that can poison our minds and hearts, there is an urgent need to detoxify the soul, not only from external influences, but also from those poisons that we cultivate within ourselves and that undermine our relationship with God and others. Inspired by the teachings of St. John the Evangelist, he proposes analyzing and purifying three sources of toxicity: the flesh, the world, and the devil.
The flesh: Fighting the seven deadly sins
He identifies the seven deadly sins as evils that, if not fought, poison our lives and our relationships:
- Pride: makes us believe that we are superior to others, forgetting that in God’s eyes, we are all equal. We must fight pride with humility, recognizing that our abilities are a gift, not a reason for superiority.
- Anger: Although we all face moments of anger, losing control creates deep wounds. Patience and temperance are remedies for this toxin.
Envy: Instead of desiring what others have, we should value what God has given us, since, in the end, happiness is found in being grateful. - Greed: We live in a world of accumulation, where obsession with materialism can lead us to forget what is essential. Generosity and detachment are acts that purify our soul.
- Laziness: Sometimes, comfort prevents us from taking advantage of our qualities and time to serve God and others. Action and purpose in every moment of life are necessary to counteract this paralysis.
- Gluttony and Lust: Both invite us to an unbridled enjoyment of pleasures, which only lead to self-destruction. Moderation and purity help us live a life with purpose and aligned with the will of God.
Everyone, even the most holy souls, face temptation. However, it is our response that determines whether the seed of evil flourishes or whether our spirit is strengthened.
The world: Ideologies and trends that distance us from the truth
Beyond the natural and necessary changes in society, the dangers of certain fashions and ideologies that, instead of promoting the common good, poison our perception of reality. Here he emphasizes the ideology of relativism, which maintains that there is no absolute truth. This way of thinking, he argues, weakens our ability to distinguish good from evil and distances us from divine commandments.
Likewise, he warns about wild materialism and hedonism, ideologies that normalize abuse and exploitation in order to obtain pleasure or personal benefit. In the face of these evils, the Father proposes ongoing training and the study of the catechism as pillars for believers to know the truth and not be carried away by worldly currents.
The Devil: Recognizing the Presence of Evil
Far from the horror image shown in movies, the devil is a constant presence that seeks to divide, incite sin, and turn us away from God. While not everyone will experience demonic possession, we will all face temptations. However, he points out that temptation, when resisted, strengthens us spiritually. However, when we succumb, we weaken our relationship with God.
To combat the influence of the devil, he recommends a life of constant prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. He reminds us that fleeing temptations and not dialoguing with evil is the key to remaining firm in the faith. Instead of letting ourselves be lured by the momentary pleasure the devil promises, we must seek the lasting happiness found only in God.
Detoxify Your Life for a Greater Purpose
Detoxing our lives is ultimately an act of love toward God and toward ourselves. The purification of our soul allows us to live a life of peace, centered on kindness, generosity, and service to others. We are called to a greater purpose: to live in holiness, inspiring others and getting closer each day to the fullness found in union with God. May these words inspire us to a life free of spiritual ties and full of love.
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