Prevent and Restore

Human beings are hardwired with an instinct for self-preservation. Even if we’re not surviving in the wild nowadays, we still instinctively know how we should be caring for and preserving our bodies to live out healthy lives. 

A few (small) examples — we shower, we brush our teeth, and we shave. We try to eat right and exercise. In short, we try to take care of ourselves to the best of our ability. We strive to prevent harm, injury, and illness, and when we can’t prevent it, we restore our health through medicine and rehabilitation. 

This is how we treat our bodies, but what of our souls? How do we care for them? 

In the same way, through prevention and restoration. 

Prevention occurs through a daily Examination of Conscience. 

Every night, we should place ourselves in the presence of God and review our day, recounting our blessings, acknowledging our sins, and giving thanks for the day. This is how we can prevent further sin — by recognizing where God’s working in our lives, seeing where we’re falling short, and learning to see temptation, prepare for it, and avoid it. 

And, when we fail, we find restoration in the sacrament of Confession. When we’re sick or injured, we go to the doctor. In Confession, we receive healing from the ‘Divine Physician.’