Every
person has a part of their life which is known and analysed by those
around them, and another inner life which only they may know. This
inner life is the source of all their principles, whether these be
good or bad and it is here that all exterior expressions find their
foundations.
As
a general rule we are all carriers of grave inner deficiencies which
need rectification. But the work of purification is not so simple as
it appears.
It
would be very easy simply to confess to religious truths and to
verbally adhere to edifying ideologies, but it is something else to
achieve spiritual evolution, which requires self-discipline and
brotherly understanding, as well as a disposition inclined towards
sacrifice.
The
Apostle James understood perfectly the seriousness of this matter when
he advised the disciples to wash their hands, that is to say, to
rectify their activities on an external level. He also advised them to
renew their actions in the eyes of everyone and appealed to them to
effect purification of their sentiments in those innermost places of
their consciences which only they could know, in the unfathomable
solitude of their thoughts.
Nevertheless,
this valuable companion of Christ did not forget to afirm that this
depth of work is only for those who are doubly animated, because this
degree of renewal will never be obtained merely through the process of
the veneer of brilliant words.
EMMANUEL