Oct 11 2009
How far to remove oneself from this world?
I have always wondered how much we are to be in this world but at the same time be apart of this world. These days, this question seems to be more important than ever due to the socio-economic plagues like Liberalism, Socialism, Relativism, Materialism, and Global Capitalism infecting society as a whole.
Yes, we are to be lights to this world as stated by Our Lord:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Mt. 5: 14-16 RSV)
but, at the same time, He said:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Mt. 6: 24 RSV)
This begs the question, how far to be in this world, but set ourselves apart for the glory or Our Lord. We have to selective about our participation in today society due to the almost constant threats of Near Occasions of Sin while always being a shining example of how we are to live.
This balance, although difficult, must be determined for each and one of us. For some, it means being more in this world than others.
As for me, I am gravitating more towards removing myself more and more from this world to serve Our Lord more. What this will entail, I am not quite sure yet. I am being more selective of what I do and where I go. This will increase in the next year or so until I fully determine the path I am to take.
