Thirty Pieces of Silver

"A house is not destroyed by a momentary impulse. More often it is because of an old defect in its construction. Sometimes it is the prolonged neglect by its inhabitants that permits water to get in, at first drop by drop, imperciptibly, the damp eating away at the woodwork and rotting even the structure of stone. With time on tiny crack becomes larger, causing considerable damage. In the end, the rain pours in. The result is ruin."
....perseverance is doing the small everyday things with faith; it is supported by the humility of beginning again when we go astray through weakness....

To persevere in our own vocation is to respond to the repeated calls the Lord makes in the course of our lives, even though there are obstacles and difficulties and, sometimes, the odd error, acts of cowardice and even defeats. As we contemplate these scenes from the Passion we consider our faithfulness in the tiny details of our own vocation. Is there any hint of a double life? Am I faithful to my own duties? Do I take care to ensure that my relationship with the Lord is sincere? Do I avoid becoming attached to material things -- being drawn to the thirty pieces of silver?

(In Conversation with God, Lent/Eastertide volume)