Keeping ourselves clean in a dirty world

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

THE parable of the good seeds and the weeds (Mt. 13:24-30) reminds us of a truth we cannot ignore. Good and evil coexist in this world. Virtue grows alongside vice. Holiness must contend with sin. That is the reality we face every day.

We live amid corruption, dishonesty, impurity, pride, selfishness and deception. We cannot completely avoid these realities. The challenge is not to run away from the world but to remain spiritually clean while living and working in it. Christ himself showed us how.

He entered a sinful world without being tainted by its sin. He embraced suffering, rejection and death while remaining perfectly united with the will of the Father. His example teaches us that we may come into contact with the world’s dirt, but we should never allow it to stain our soul or weaken our fidelity to God.

Our concern, however, should not stop at protecting ourselves from evil. We have a mission. Every Christian is called to help cleanse the world by bringing Christ’s truth, charity and hope wherever he or she may be. We are meant to be instruments of God’s transforming grace in our homes, workplaces and communities.

This mission is impossible without a deep union with God.

Instead of asking to be spared from life’s difficulties, we should pray for the grace to remain close to God in every circumstance. Only through him can we stay spiritually clean while courageously facing the challenges around us. His grace enables us not only to resist evil but also to overcome it with good.

Real holiness is never superficial. It is not about projecting a polished religious image or seeking the admiration of others. Genuine holiness bears the marks of sacrifice. It accepts inconveniences, misunderstandings and suffering out of love for God. It perseveres quietly because it knows that every cross carried with Christ has redemptive value.

That is why we should never neglect our spiritual life.

Daily prayer keeps us connected with God. Frequent reception of the sacraments strengthens the soul. Spiritual direction offers guidance, while continuing formation deepens our understanding of the faith. At the same time, we should strive to grow in the virtues and learn to fight the spiritual battles that inevitably come with following Christ.

Among the most effective means of spiritual growth is the daily examination of conscience. This simple but powerful practice allows us to review our day before God. We recognize where we responded generously to his grace, where we failed, and where we need to improve. Without this regular self-examination, we can slowly drift into complacency and compromise without even noticing it.

The examination of conscience also helps us uncover the motives behind our thoughts, words and actions. Did we act out of love or pride? Were our decisions guided by faith or by convenience? Did we seek God’s will or merely our own comfort? These questions gradually sharpen our conscience and strengthen our commitment to live as authentic disciples of Christ.

As we become more aware of our weaknesses, we also become more grateful for God’s mercy. Every sincere examination should lead us to repentance, renewed resolve and greater confidence in God’s grace. Holiness is not achieved by human effort alone but by faithfully cooperating with the grace that God constantly gives us.

The weeds may continue to grow around us, but they should never discourage us. Christ has already overcome the world. Our task is to remain good seed—firmly rooted in him, continually purified by his grace, and actively bringing his light into places darkened by sin.

That is how we keep ourselves clean in a dirty world while helping cleanse it with the love, truth and grace of Christ.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com