The Main Way to Conquer Temptation
1. God never allows us to be tempted beyond our strength, but will
always give us the grace which we need in order to resist. “God is
faithful,” St. Paul writes, “and will not permit you to be tempted
beyond your strength, but with the temptation will always give you a way
out that you may be able to bear it.” (Cor. 10:13)
The man who is so discouraged
by frequent falls that he surrenders to temptation and resigns himself
to the slavery of sin as if there were no other way out, is making a
fatal mistake. God is infinitely good and merciful and loves us all,
even those who are sinners. Remember the parable of the Prodigal Son and
of the lost sheep. How could our heavenly Father abandon us and not
give us the strength to resist evil?
If we are discouraged, let
us ask God's help, for He loves us and knows how weak we are. “He knows
how we are formed.” (Ps. 102:14) It is a favourite trick of the devil
to persuade us that nothing can help us. Let us cast aside all thoughts
of discouragement, therefore, and arm ourselves with the necessary
spiritual weapons. With humility, perseverance, and the grace of God, we
are sure to triumph.
2. The masters of the spiritual life
suggest various ways of combating temptation. As St. Alphonsus de'
Liguori points out, however, “the first way is absolutely essential, and
that is to pray to God for the light and strength to conquer. Without
prayer it is impossible to overcome temptation, whereas with prayer we
are sure of victory.” (Al Servizio Divino, p. 11, c. 6)
The
reason is obvious. Prayer is not simply a verbal address to Almighty
God, but is an elevation of the mind and heart, a conversation with God.
Let us pray, therefore, with confidence and with love.
3.
Jesus Himself commands us to do this. “Watch and pray that you may not
enter into temptation.” (Mt. 26:41) Temptation against chastity in
particular can only be conquered by prayer. There must be no hesitation,
but an immediate recourse to God as soon as the temptation is
experienced.
“Slay the enemy while it is small,”' recommends
St. Jerome. When a lion is small, it is easily killed, but if we wait
for it to grow up, it will be more likely to kill us instead. It is the
same with temptation. St. Francis de Sales tells us that we should
imitate the little children who fly to the arms of their father and
mother as soon as they spy a wolf. We should fly to Jesus and Mary for
protection.
As long as temptation lasts we should persevere in prayer.
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