It is well known and clearly understood that whoever asks receives, whoever seeks finds, whoever knocks has the door opened; therefore, one does not receive because one does not ask, does not find because one does not seek, is not answered because one does not knock. And are not all these free actions that depend on the will of man? The Lord God has explicitly shown that he wills all people to be saved, and that he grants sufficient grace for salvation. Yet, in his freedom, man can either treasure or despise this grace. So understand well that… “He who created you without you, will not save you without you.”
Then comes the usual question: “Now what? What are we to do?” Well, some practical points. When it comes to the near occasion of sin (that place, that person, that website, which usually leads you into sin), St George Preca was crystal clear: “flee always, flee quickly, and flee far,” for “it is easier for the dead to rise than for one to overcome such a temptation.” When it comes, instead, to temptation in thought or desire, St George Preca gives us the advice of immediate prayer: “Lord, hasten to give me your help.”
Do you think yourself as wise as Solomon, as faithful as David, or even as strong as Samson? Then, brother, it is well to remember that all of these fell when faced with temptation. Apart from all personal efforts (which are good and necessary), one must always turn to the grace of the Merciful God, for “without Him we can do nothing.” Could it be that an earthly father would refuse the help his son asked for in a moment of danger? How much more, then, will the Lord God stretch forth his almighty arm to those who call upon him in truth?!
And when you fall? For the question is not whether you will fall, but when. Do not be discouraged. The sooner you realise how small you are, the sooner you understand how human it is to fall and just as human to rise again. Thank the Lord when you find a confessor who forgives your sins and a spiritual director who gives you comfort and peace of heart.
Joseph Mizzi
SDC Candidate
