Persevering in Fidelity
Perseverance is essential to final victory in the spiritual life. Many people begin well, but how many people end their lives well? Endeavor to stay faithful to God, for "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Mt 6:6b).
If we truly desire to enjoy a personal and intimate union with God, we must freely make the daring journey inward where He abides - in the hidden sanctuary of our souls. As Origen writes, “there should be in us a kind of spiritual paradise where God may walk and be our sole ruler.”1The more we live in loving communion with God Who dwells within us, the more we will experience authentic communion with our brothers and sisters in the unity of Christ's Mystical Body, the Church. This inner union of love is strengthened through the Sacraments, prayer, and humble acts of love and service.
Each moment, I have a choice to either take one step further into the Paradise of the Interior Life or not to. The choice is mine to make; no one, not the devil or even God Himself, will make it for me. Our choices directly affect our eternal destiny in Heaven or Hell.
Examen: Our Lord clearly said: "But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Mt 24:13). Am I being faithful to what God expects of me? Am I trying my best to do God's will as I know it? What new resolutions am I making to show my love for God?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for remaining faithful to me even when I am unfaithful. Grant to me and to all people every grace necessary to persevere in Your holy will and to attain eternal salvation. Have mercy on us, heal us, change our hearts and make us like You. Thank You, Jesus, for being with us always and for empowering us to live the Life of Heaven on earth one moment at a time. +Amen.
+Br. Philip Maria Allen, CFR
San Juan Diego Friary
N.B. This reflection is the tenth and final reflection of the ten-part series by Br. Philip on the "
1 On Prayer, by Origen (ch. 25 PG 11, 495-499); Liturgy of the Hours, vol. IV, p. 577.
2 In the Heart of God: The Spiritual Teaching of