“Trying to get rich by lying is chasing a bubble over deadly snares” Proverbs 21:6

This past week on Tuesday at Mass, during the 25th week of Ordinary Time, we were presented with a reading from the Book of Proverbs, (much of the weeks first readings were from Proverbs) in which the above quote was proclaimed. Reading this wonderful poetic line of Sacred Scripture has stuck in my head for the days that have followed…and it is here I wish to begin my weekly reflection.
The image of “chasing a bubble over deadly snares” brings up many funny and dangerous pictures in my head. Growing-up reading and watching the comics of 60’s and 70’s with the slap-stick violence that often occurred my mind would wander to images of Wile E. Coyote, Daffy Duck or the Cat from Tom and Jerry…chasing the forlorn goal of actually catching the Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny or the mouse and quickly finding themselves in a situation that would cause them great physical harm and interrupt their unending quest to capture their prize. And I can do this with a chuckle.
Then I think of this “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) where the deadly snares literally become deadly as we chase after the lies and riches of the world. It is here the chuckles end and the spiritual work begins where I look into my heart, listen to the voice of my sisters and brothers, and look at where I am standing and ask my question, “Am I chasing a bubble?” or more often, “What bubble am I chasing?” I wish I could say that most of the time I answer with a wonderful…”I’m right on track…my God compass is at true North!” sadly the answer more often than not is…”Let me count the ways.”
The hidden traps of sin and temptation are often unnoticeable if we are focused on chasing the things of the world. It is important that as men and women we understand the gifts of the world and how we are called to share, use and celebrate these blessings from God and at the same time making sure these gifts do not overwhelm our sense of thanksgiving and allow ourselves to be controlled and trapped in “chasing the bubble.”
Our Catholic Christian faith offers us several remedies to discover what is leading us over the deadly snares but they are remedies that take practice and hard spiritual work. One of the greatest and easiest way is to have a spiritual friend. A person who believes and listens with love and care. This isn’t spiritual direction but rather a “spiritual friendship” a person who will call our faults out and not allow us to make excuses for our bad behaviors. Second is frequent sacramental confession. This is once of the blessings of our faith…frequent confession helps us recognize the patterns that begin to develop, to receive the graces of God to resist the temptations of how we are chasing our bubble of sin by recognizing how we are being lured into the traps. Third is a nightly examine of conscience. Each night before bed I spend 15 minutes in examining my conscience and offering night prayer. It is a time where we once again can take stalk of how our day was and follow the patterns of life. This practice combined with daily prayer can and will be fruitful. Last but not least is spiritual reading. Whether it is Sacred Scripture or good spiritual books, God speaks to us and often will whisper the warnings we all need to hear.
The best part of this reflection was of course watching a few of the old cartoons on the internet. God is very good.
Please continue to pray for the sanctification, purification and healing of our Catholic Church.
God bless,
Fr. Mark