DAILY REFLECTION: February 12, 2007

The first of today's readings Readings poses a question until you read the Genesis citation: Who is Seth? Do you remember? One of the three sons of Adam and Eve. "God has granted me more offspring in place of Able because Cain slew him (v.25)" Remember Cain, the elder of the brothers, was a farmer type guy. Tilling soil and bringing produce was his thing. Abel, on the other hand, was a shepard. At one point of offering making, Abel's gift of a prized animal seemed to please Yahweh more than Cain's offering of some fruit produce. In a fit of jealousy, Cain killed Abel. After Yahweh sought Cain out, he called him to repentance. He was told that mastering sin was a possibility.

Who is there that has not had to encounter the reality that our thoughts are often avenues leading us to sin? Numerous saints have written of their own personal struggles with thoughts that lead to sin. As in the life of Cain, sin easily separates us from others as well as our God.

A recent conversation with several priests and their retreat master, surprised the director. The topic was challenges that Pastors encounter in our efforts to help the people who come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Among the challenges that relates to thoughts that lead to sin is what a number of Pastors expressed as a "new" presentation of an old issue. Recently, it seems, a growing number of adult, married men and women have become addicted to Internet pornography. It is not just a young male or pedophile issue. As one Pastor mentioned, "and these are people who are married with children."

This kind of sin separates a person from God and from the community, especially the community of one's family. This kind of sin is truly the bait that leads one to self-destruction.

Let us pray for all who have succumbed to the addictive nature of the Internet that so quickly can pull a person away from leading a normal and healthy life. Surely the Internet is a marvelous instrument for learning and greater awareness of the wonders of creation. It is, as we are learning, an instrument that can divide us from one another and God.