“Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
1. “Let no man say when he is tempted,” St. James warns us, “that he is
tempted by God; for God is no tempter to evil, and he himself tempts no
one. But everyone is tempted by being drawn away and enticed by his own
passion. Then when passion has conceived, it brings forth sin, but when
sin has matured, it begets death.” (James 1:13-15)
When we ask God
during the Pater Noster not to lead us into temptation, we should
really beseech Him to rescue us from temptation. We should not request
this in any absolute sense, however, for it would be a poor soldier who
would refuse to be tried in battle. Our prayer should be prompted by a
holy fear of offending God. We should ask Him, therefore, either to set
us free from temptations or to grant us the grace to overcome them. We
should then co-operate earnestly with divine grace in resisting these
temptations and should adopt the means necessary to overcome them.
In the first place, we should never go voluntarily into an occasion of
sin. What use is it asking God to rescue us from temptations if we
immediately proceed to go in search of them? When possible, therefore,
avoid the occasions of sin. “He who loves danger,” says the Holy Spirit,
“will perish in it.” (Ecclus. 3:25) If duty or charity compels us to
expose ourselves to danger, God will certainly help us. But if we fail
to recognise our own frailty and expose ourselves voluntarily to the
risk of committing sin, God is not obliged to work a miracle to save us.
Our presumption and imprudence will be severely punished.
2.
Life is a prolonged trial. St. Paul compares it to a stadium in which
everyone must fight to win. If anyone lays down his arms, he will be
unable to conquer his passions or to achieve the palm of victory. “One
who enters a contest is not crowned unless he has competed according to
the rules.” (2 Tim. 2:5)
With the exception of the Blessed
Virgin, every human being is obliged to battle against the temptations
of the flesh. Sometimes these can be quite terrifying. St. Paul himself
confessed that he felt another law in his members warring against the
law of his mind. “Unhappy man that I am!” he exclaimed in supplication
to God to come to his assistance. “Who will deliver me from the body of
this death?” (Rom. 7:24)
The false enchantment and wickedness
of the world also threatens to ensnare us. “We know that we are of God,
and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) It
is easy to become absorbed in worldly affairs and to forget the
all-important spiritual realities.
Finally, there is the devil,
whom St. Peter describes as wandering about “seeking someone to devour.
Resist him,” he urges us, “steadfast in the faith, knowing that the
same suffering befalls your brethren all over the world.” (Cf. 1 Peter
5:9)
Faced as we are with these three foes, we should implore
God to help us by His grace. Lead us not into temptation, O God, but
help us to conquer these enemies. Without You we can do nothing, but
with Your aid anything is possible. Lead us not into temptation.
3. Why, we may ask, does God permit us to be tempted? It is for our own
good, because (1) He desires us to co-operate with Him in our own
salvation. The crown of glory which is to be our reward will only be
given to him who has earned it. “Blessed is the man who endures
temptation,” says St. James, “for when he has been tried, he will
receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.”
(James 1:12) (2) He wishes us to understand, moreover, that we can do
nothing without Him, so that we may be humble and may pray to Him with
faith and perseverance. (3) He desires that we may be vigilant and may
live in union with Him by means of prayer. He wishes us to realise that
only with His help can we aspire to the supernatural life and triumph
over our enemies. Apart from Him we shall be lost, but close to Him we
shall be invincible.
Showing posts with label temptation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label temptation. Show all posts
Monday, 27 October 2014
Sunday, 14 September 2014
I Am Not Able - Cardinal Bacci
I Am Not Able
1. Often, when the violence of our passions threatens to overcome all our powers of resistance, we are tempted to say: “Lord, I am not able; I cannot go any further. Why are You not helping me? Why have you abandoned me?” This is a trick of the devil to make us give up the fight, to make us believe that God has deserted us and that we must inevitably give in to temptation.
This is the last stratagem of the devil when he sees that he cannot persuade us in any other manner. But the Lord addresses to us the reproof which he addressed to St. Peter who, while walking on the water, doubted for an instant, and then felt himself going under. “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt. 14:31) In such a situation, we must strengthen our faith, our love, and our dedication to Jesus Christ. Then the Lord will extend His helping hand to us as He did to Peter. He will give us the spiritual tranquility which only grace and Christian fortitude can offer.
Let us recall how this has happened in the temptations of our past life. When we were strong and generous with Jesus, we implored His help with faith and perseverance and emerged victorious from the fray. Then we experienced the heavenly joy which only God can give. Why can we not always do the same? We must never say: “I am not able!” We are poor and weak, but with the grace of God we can overcome all obstacles. As St. Paul says, “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
2. Whenever we feel called upon to make some sacrifice for Jesus or to form some good resolution, how often do we cry: “I am not able!” It may be a question of praying more fervently, of performing some mortification, or of helping our neighbour spiritually or materially. Or perhaps it is a matter of saying a few words of apology or of encouragement to our neighbour, whom we have previously treated with coldness and selfishness. Or it may be something entirely more generous which is demanded; it may be that God is inviting us to renounce ourselves completely and to dedicate ourselves to Him. Naturally this requires sacrifice, and great generosity of heart. But we say to Jesus when He calls us: “I cannot, it is too difficult!” And yet the Lord says: “You shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44; 19:2) “You therefore, are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48) We must not refuse God, Who became man for us and shed His blood for our redemption.
3. When the crosses sent to us by God have seemed too heavy, we have often uttered these words of refusal in a mood of weariness or even in a spirit of revolt. If only we had taken our sorrow to the foot of the Crucifix! Then we should not have had the audacity to have spoken these selfish and unchristian words.
We would have remembered that Jesus, the innocent Lamb, suffered for love of us, and we could not then have told Him that our cross was too heavy. We would have embraced it with resignation and walked towards Heaven in the footsteps of Christ.
1. Often, when the violence of our passions threatens to overcome all our powers of resistance, we are tempted to say: “Lord, I am not able; I cannot go any further. Why are You not helping me? Why have you abandoned me?” This is a trick of the devil to make us give up the fight, to make us believe that God has deserted us and that we must inevitably give in to temptation.
This is the last stratagem of the devil when he sees that he cannot persuade us in any other manner. But the Lord addresses to us the reproof which he addressed to St. Peter who, while walking on the water, doubted for an instant, and then felt himself going under. “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt. 14:31) In such a situation, we must strengthen our faith, our love, and our dedication to Jesus Christ. Then the Lord will extend His helping hand to us as He did to Peter. He will give us the spiritual tranquility which only grace and Christian fortitude can offer.
Let us recall how this has happened in the temptations of our past life. When we were strong and generous with Jesus, we implored His help with faith and perseverance and emerged victorious from the fray. Then we experienced the heavenly joy which only God can give. Why can we not always do the same? We must never say: “I am not able!” We are poor and weak, but with the grace of God we can overcome all obstacles. As St. Paul says, “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
2. Whenever we feel called upon to make some sacrifice for Jesus or to form some good resolution, how often do we cry: “I am not able!” It may be a question of praying more fervently, of performing some mortification, or of helping our neighbour spiritually or materially. Or perhaps it is a matter of saying a few words of apology or of encouragement to our neighbour, whom we have previously treated with coldness and selfishness. Or it may be something entirely more generous which is demanded; it may be that God is inviting us to renounce ourselves completely and to dedicate ourselves to Him. Naturally this requires sacrifice, and great generosity of heart. But we say to Jesus when He calls us: “I cannot, it is too difficult!” And yet the Lord says: “You shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44; 19:2) “You therefore, are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48) We must not refuse God, Who became man for us and shed His blood for our redemption.
3. When the crosses sent to us by God have seemed too heavy, we have often uttered these words of refusal in a mood of weariness or even in a spirit of revolt. If only we had taken our sorrow to the foot of the Crucifix! Then we should not have had the audacity to have spoken these selfish and unchristian words.
We would have remembered that Jesus, the innocent Lamb, suffered for love of us, and we could not then have told Him that our cross was too heavy. We would have embraced it with resignation and walked towards Heaven in the footsteps of Christ.
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Other Ways of Resisting Temptation - Cardinal Bacci
Other Ways of Resisting Temptation
1. After prayer, humility is the best weapon in our struggle against temptation.
God wishes us to realise that we are incapable of a single good thought or action without His assistance. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5) “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) We cannot conquer temptation without the grace of God, and God only gives His grace to the humble. He allows us to be troubled by temptation in order to humble us, and if He perceives that we are still proud He allows us to fall by denying us His grace. Many of our falls, especially sins of impurity, are the result of pride.
Let us be humble, therefore, and recognise our own nothingness. At the same time, let us have complete confidence in God. “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) We must be humble not only in the sight of God, but also in the presence of men. “What hast thou that thou hast not received? And if thou hast received, why dost thou boast as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Cor. 4:7) Pride and ambition are links in a chain which secures us in the bondage of sin.
2. The third method is to avoid the occasions of sin. Anyone who places himself without grave reasons in the proximate occasion of sin is certain to fall. “He who loves danger,” the Holy Spirit warns us, “will perish in it.” (Ecclus. 3:27) It is useless for a man to pray when he is exposing himself needlessly and voluntarily to the danger of sinning. He cannot expect God to hear his prayers, for this is presumption, not confidence in God.
On the other hand a man may be obliged to expose himself to the risk of temptation in the course of his job or for some other strong reason. In this case, he can be sure of God's assistance, but he should fortify himself by fervent prayer and by taking all the precautions necessary to minimise the danger. Where temptations against holy purity are involved, it is especially necessary to avoid even the slightest occasion of sin when that is possible. As St. Francis de Sales was accustomed to say, there are certain battles which can only be won by soldiers who are prepared to retreat.
3. Very often it is impossible to flee from temptation, and there is no alternative but to face up to it.
We cannot face up to every kind of temptation in precisely the same manner. Pride, for example, may be assailed not merely by thinking about our own weakness, but also by performing acts of humility. We can counter irritability by remaining silent and by behaving gently and patiently. We can quench the desire for revenge by doing good to our enemies. In short, we can combat each temptation by performing good actions opposed to the vice towards which we are being drawn.
There are certain temptations, however, which it is wiser not to confront directly. If we allow ourselves to come face to face with impure thoughts and suggestions, for example, our senses are further aroused and the battle becomes harder than ever. God's grace should be implored from the outset and our good resolutions should be renewed. Then we should direct our attention to other thoughts and pursuits which are capable of holding our interest. If the temptations are particularly violent, voluntary mortification may be helpful and even necessary.
Once we have triumphed, we shall be rewarded with spiritual peace.
1. After prayer, humility is the best weapon in our struggle against temptation.
God wishes us to realise that we are incapable of a single good thought or action without His assistance. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5) “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) We cannot conquer temptation without the grace of God, and God only gives His grace to the humble. He allows us to be troubled by temptation in order to humble us, and if He perceives that we are still proud He allows us to fall by denying us His grace. Many of our falls, especially sins of impurity, are the result of pride.
Let us be humble, therefore, and recognise our own nothingness. At the same time, let us have complete confidence in God. “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) We must be humble not only in the sight of God, but also in the presence of men. “What hast thou that thou hast not received? And if thou hast received, why dost thou boast as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Cor. 4:7) Pride and ambition are links in a chain which secures us in the bondage of sin.
2. The third method is to avoid the occasions of sin. Anyone who places himself without grave reasons in the proximate occasion of sin is certain to fall. “He who loves danger,” the Holy Spirit warns us, “will perish in it.” (Ecclus. 3:27) It is useless for a man to pray when he is exposing himself needlessly and voluntarily to the danger of sinning. He cannot expect God to hear his prayers, for this is presumption, not confidence in God.
On the other hand a man may be obliged to expose himself to the risk of temptation in the course of his job or for some other strong reason. In this case, he can be sure of God's assistance, but he should fortify himself by fervent prayer and by taking all the precautions necessary to minimise the danger. Where temptations against holy purity are involved, it is especially necessary to avoid even the slightest occasion of sin when that is possible. As St. Francis de Sales was accustomed to say, there are certain battles which can only be won by soldiers who are prepared to retreat.
3. Very often it is impossible to flee from temptation, and there is no alternative but to face up to it.
We cannot face up to every kind of temptation in precisely the same manner. Pride, for example, may be assailed not merely by thinking about our own weakness, but also by performing acts of humility. We can counter irritability by remaining silent and by behaving gently and patiently. We can quench the desire for revenge by doing good to our enemies. In short, we can combat each temptation by performing good actions opposed to the vice towards which we are being drawn.
There are certain temptations, however, which it is wiser not to confront directly. If we allow ourselves to come face to face with impure thoughts and suggestions, for example, our senses are further aroused and the battle becomes harder than ever. God's grace should be implored from the outset and our good resolutions should be renewed. Then we should direct our attention to other thoughts and pursuits which are capable of holding our interest. If the temptations are particularly violent, voluntary mortification may be helpful and even necessary.
Once we have triumphed, we shall be rewarded with spiritual peace.
The Main Way to Conquer Temptation - Cardinal Bacci
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.
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.
Temptations - Cardinal Bacci
Temptations
1. When a man fears and loves God, temptation is the greatest trial which he can endure.
“No one is so perfect and holy,” says the Imitation of Christ, "as not sometimes to have temptations; and we never can be wholly free from them. Nevertheless, temptations are often very profitable to a man, troublesome and grievous though they may be; for in them a man is humbled, purified and instructed. All the Saints passed through many tribulations and temptations, and profited by them. And they that could not support temptations became reprobate, and fell away ...
“A man is never wholly secure from temptation as long as he liveth; for there is within us the source of temptation, since we were born in concupiscence ...
“Inconstancy of mind, and little confidence in God, is the beginning of all evil temptations. For as a ship without a helm is driven to and fro by the waves, so the man who is negligent, and giveth up his resolution, is tempted in various ways. Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk I, c. 13)
These words from “The Imitation of Christ” should encourage us. God sends us temptations in order to test our virtue and to make us understand that we are in continual need of Him. The important thing is to overcome them with the help of His grace, for a thousand temptations do not constitute a single sin. When we are prepared to make sacrifices and to rely upon God's assistance, temptations can be a source of merit for us.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptations,” writes St. James, “for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
We should not fear temptations nor be discouraged by them. Instead, we should watch and pray, and love God.
2. “Still we must watch,” The Imitation of Christ continues, “especially in the beginning of temptation, for then the enemy is more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of the mind, but is withstood upon the threshold the very moment that he knocketh. Whence a certain one hath said: ‘Resist beginning; all too late the cure, when ills have gathered strength by long delay.’ (Ovid. Remed. Amor., 5:91) For first there cometh into the mind a simple thought; then a strong imagination; afterwards delight, and the evil motion and consent.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk. 1, c. 13)
It is worth meditating on this vivid description of the psychology of temptation and of the simplest remedy by which it can be combated. Every temptation is first presented to the mind as a simple thought. If a man is determined enough it is quite easy to reject it immediately. If there is any delay, however, the concept is clothed by the imagination and projected in vivid colours until it arouses the evil inclinations of the senses. In this way the idea takes possession of the mind, so that it is almost impossible to set it free.
We must be ready to face up to such an idea before it takes possession of us. We should treat it as we would a serpent, not pausing to examine it, but taking to flight at once. If we are resolute, the grace of God will ensure our safety.
3. Why does God allow us to endure temptations? According to spiritual writers, there are two main reasons.
(1) Because God wishes us to be humble and not to depend too much on ourselves. Before he was tempted, St. Peter boasted that he would never deny his Master. When he was tempted, he fell, and recognised his weakness.
(2) Because by resisting temptation we can show our love for Jesus and our readiness to sacrifice everything for Him.
Temptations, therefore, can teach us humility and can help us to store up merit for our souls.
1. When a man fears and loves God, temptation is the greatest trial which he can endure.
“No one is so perfect and holy,” says the Imitation of Christ, "as not sometimes to have temptations; and we never can be wholly free from them. Nevertheless, temptations are often very profitable to a man, troublesome and grievous though they may be; for in them a man is humbled, purified and instructed. All the Saints passed through many tribulations and temptations, and profited by them. And they that could not support temptations became reprobate, and fell away ...
“A man is never wholly secure from temptation as long as he liveth; for there is within us the source of temptation, since we were born in concupiscence ...
“Inconstancy of mind, and little confidence in God, is the beginning of all evil temptations. For as a ship without a helm is driven to and fro by the waves, so the man who is negligent, and giveth up his resolution, is tempted in various ways. Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk I, c. 13)
These words from “The Imitation of Christ” should encourage us. God sends us temptations in order to test our virtue and to make us understand that we are in continual need of Him. The important thing is to overcome them with the help of His grace, for a thousand temptations do not constitute a single sin. When we are prepared to make sacrifices and to rely upon God's assistance, temptations can be a source of merit for us.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptations,” writes St. James, “for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
We should not fear temptations nor be discouraged by them. Instead, we should watch and pray, and love God.
2. “Still we must watch,” The Imitation of Christ continues, “especially in the beginning of temptation, for then the enemy is more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of the mind, but is withstood upon the threshold the very moment that he knocketh. Whence a certain one hath said: ‘Resist beginning; all too late the cure, when ills have gathered strength by long delay.’ (Ovid. Remed. Amor., 5:91) For first there cometh into the mind a simple thought; then a strong imagination; afterwards delight, and the evil motion and consent.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk. 1, c. 13)
It is worth meditating on this vivid description of the psychology of temptation and of the simplest remedy by which it can be combated. Every temptation is first presented to the mind as a simple thought. If a man is determined enough it is quite easy to reject it immediately. If there is any delay, however, the concept is clothed by the imagination and projected in vivid colours until it arouses the evil inclinations of the senses. In this way the idea takes possession of the mind, so that it is almost impossible to set it free.
We must be ready to face up to such an idea before it takes possession of us. We should treat it as we would a serpent, not pausing to examine it, but taking to flight at once. If we are resolute, the grace of God will ensure our safety.
3. Why does God allow us to endure temptations? According to spiritual writers, there are two main reasons.
(1) Because God wishes us to be humble and not to depend too much on ourselves. Before he was tempted, St. Peter boasted that he would never deny his Master. When he was tempted, he fell, and recognised his weakness.
(2) Because by resisting temptation we can show our love for Jesus and our readiness to sacrifice everything for Him.
Temptations, therefore, can teach us humility and can help us to store up merit for our souls.
Saturday, 5 April 2014
What to do having succumbed to temptation - Fr Faber
"One more question remains about temptations. How shall we behave when we ourselves are overcome? There is but one answer, one advice: it is childish: but is there any other? When we fall we must rise again, and go on our way, wishing ourselves, after a Christian fashion, better luck another time."
(Growth in Holiness)
(Growth in Holiness)
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