Originally published at National Catholic Register
We should work to practice other habits or virtues that will replace it, to follow the instruction of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
“Why can’t I let it go?” she said. A good friend was talking about her frustration at having to confess gossip time after time. I used to lament this same need to always confess gossip. I patted myself on the back, thinking, “I conquered this! Well done, You!”
“Wait! Not so fast!” I heard in reply, pride knocking at my door. Did I really conquer this? It is never a simple thing to conquer a sin. Once we get the first layer out, we usually find a more insidious spread. Unless you pull a weed by its root, it will never go away. You can make your garden pretty by cutting a weed at the surface, but only temporarily. Time to dig deep!
Casually talking about acquaintances is not the only way we commit this sin. What about when we discuss our close friends and family members? I recalled the shame I felt when my son walked in on a conversation I was having with my husband about him. We can justify this in
