Jeanne d'Arc said, "It is not so much a matter of conquering in the struggle, but rather of fighting well. To fight well depends on us. Victory, however, is not of ourselves. The decision rests with God." At least, this is the way one of her best interpreters expresses her thoughts. (Charles Peguy)
In the spiritual life we should like so much to triumph after defending ourselves courageously; it is irritating to begin again indefinitely these little skirmishes and battles against nature. How we would love to breath easy once for all.
No, earth is not the land of finality nor the land of the definitive. It is the land of incessant struggle, of constant advance into the midst of enemies who never lay down their arms. We can never say, "Ah! now, it is finished, I don't have to struggle any more, I can rest."
To warn us against this tempting illusion, St. Francis de Sales informs us smilingly that our corrupt nature will die a quarter of an hour after us, which is equivalent to saying that we will have to fight to the very end.
And perhaps, on the way, one or the other failure springing from human weakness or our perverse inclinations will mark the stages. If we can say that at no time have we disarmed, given up, or lost our foothold; but on the contrary, despite temptations, and disturbances, in spite of temporary defeats and momentary laxity, we have held fast and struggled to resist, then we can remain in peace. God is satisfied.
He knows our infirmities, that our good intentions surpass our weak will; that we are rich in promises which are sincere indeed; but that our realizations always fall short and lack energy. God is not surprised at our vacillation and blunders. They keep us humble.
Courage! Let us not allow ourselves to be vanquished.
St. Jeanne d'Arc, give us your spirit and your valiant perseverance.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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