In the first reading today from the first Letter of Saint John we read ‘Beloved: Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.’
Pope Francis in ‘Joy of the Gospel’ writes ‘ One of the more serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism which turns us into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, ‘sourpusses.’ Nobody can go off to battle unless he is fully convinced of victory beforehand. If we start without confidence, we have already lost half the battle and we bury our talents. While painfully aware of our frailties, we have to march on without giving in , keeping in mind what the Lord said to St Paul; ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor 12:9) Christian triumph is always a cross, yet a cross which is at the same time a victorious banner with aggressive tenderness against the assaults of evil. The evil spirit os defeatism is brother to the temptation to separate, before its time, the wheat from the weeds; it is the fruit of an anxious and self-centered lack of trust.’
John 16: 32-33 ‘The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone for the Father is with me. And I have said this to you, that in me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have over come the world.’
Our Lady of Victory pray for us
When you look at the Cross see the victory that Jesus won for you over the world.
Wow, perfect timing! I am recovering from a dislocated rt shoulder. Because I was using a sling for over 5 weeks my arm is stiff and hard to get moving. It has been hard to sleep at night. I also have been offering my pain up for those in need. But my prayer life has been slowly eroded from the distractions of pain. Your blog has brought me courage and hope! I was only supposed to be using the sling only 2-3 weeks. The corrected change did not get to me until I returned home from my son’s home in Virginia Beach.
So now PT is going to be a challenge to get my muscles loosened up. I’m not left handed:). The Lord has made me laugh a lot this past few weeks.