SPIRITUAL DIALYSIS

“SPIRITUAL DIALYSIS” This term came to my mind when I realized the rigorous process of “DIALYSIS” which my brother-in-law had to undergo three times a week as a medical treatment for his kidney trouble.

In layman’s language, dialysis is the cleansing of blood – to rid the body of the impurities that are detrimental to one’s physical health. My brother-in-law informed me that the treatment has to be administered three to four times a week with each session requiring three to four hours duration, depending on the caliber of the machine used. Therefore, a patient has to have a lot of patience while undergoing the treatment. To while the hours he may view a television, read or sleep.

Reflecting on this medical treatment, it occurred to me that something similar could be applied to one’s spirituality. The cleansing or purification of one’s soul could be considered a “spiritual dialysis”.

In the Catholic Church we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of purifying someone from the stain of sin through the grace of forgiveness. It is administered by a Catholic priest who has been given the proper authority to exercise this priestly ministry.

For sins that are considered mortal, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a “must”. For venial sins, which are less serious, corporal works and spiritual works of mercy could effect “spiritual dialysis”.

One means of purification which to me is very effective is “Visit to the Blessed Sacrament”. Our faith tells us that Jesus Christ is present in a very special way in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearance of Bread. When we manifest our faith in this great mystery through a visit, I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will extend His loving mercy and purify us from the stains of our venial sins.

My daily “Visit to the Blessed Sacrament” is to me my “Spiritual Dialysis”. While my prime purpose in visiting the Lord in the Adoration Chapel is to “Praise and Adore Him”, I do believe that a side effect of my visit is a “purification of the stains of venial sin in my soul”. Hence, I have made a commitment to visit our Lord Jesus Christ in the Adoration Chapel everyday for a period of one hour. Thanks be to God for, so far, I have been faithful to this commitment and I keep praying for the grace of perseverance for as long as my health permits.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Feb. 20, 2011