Got your life in order?

Many of us, at different points in our lives, resolve to get our lives in order – and sometimes actually do it!

Very often it is giving up some bad habit and/or starting a set of good habits.

Many of us have a “conversion experience” that turns our lives around completely.

Getting one’s life in order is a wonderful feeling, but sadly it often doesn’t last.

Why? The last part of today’s Gospel gives us an answer.

For most of us, this Gospel passage may sound a little alien to our everyday experience - talking about demons, palace guards, and whatnot – but it speaks exactly to the kinds of experiences mentioned above.

We might be able to get our act together for a time, so that our lives are “swept clean and put in order,” but if we stop there, we will surely be in trouble.

Sooner or later, something will come along that will overcome our human resolution and discipline. Perhaps we may backslide. Perhaps we may find ourselves embracing a whole new set of vices. Sad to say, too often the reformed sinner becomes the backbiting, self-centered, warm-the-pew-and-little-else churchgoer.

We must be continually vigilant to keep our souls and our lives “swept clean and put in order.” We do this by regular examination of conscience, by taking opportunities for spiritual renewal, and most importantly by striving always to be filled with the Lord Jesus. He is the Almighty: whom no one can overpower, whom nothing can displace. If we remain in Him and He in us, we will be safe.

It is good and necessary to get our lives in order, but the best way to do it – and the only way that will be ultimately successful – is in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.