9781644135945

The Light of the World
measure mastered our weaknesses, when the faults that we have are no longer multiplied, when
we no longer commit them willingly, when we meet all trials and temptations with courage and
confidence, we shall know that we are dealing with the cockle in the way our Lord approves.
“Suffer both to grow.” Spiritual growth is possible only when there is inner peace, which is
most necessary if we wish to pray. Restlessness, violence, and impetuosity are not conducive
to the practice of virtue. Such a spirit is more characteristic of pride and self-love. Our love of
God and our neighbor must be tranquil and stable. Let us deal with the cockle in our field with
patience, perseverance, and determination. Above all, let us trust in the Lord, who is aware of
the cockle growing in our souls, and wait for His grace.
Prayer
O Lord, we beg Thee in Thy never-failing goodness to guard Thy family, and since it depends
entirely on the hope of Thy heavenly grace, defend it always by Thy protection. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Saturday
“The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his field” (Gospel). Hardly
had the man sown good seed in his field when his enemy came and sowed cockle among the
wheat. Wherever Christ has sown good seed in the field of the world, there also the devil sows the
seed of evil. The seed of the devil is the temptations which he uses to entice men away from God.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you shall fall into divers temptations” ( Jas 1:2). No man is
ever free from temptation, which may arise from our past sins, from our evil fantasies, from our
various passions, or from our own perverted inclinations. The devil may use the things around
us and the men and women with whom we live as a means of tempting us to sin. Temptations
come, finally, from the devil himself, who, “as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may
devour” (1 Pt 5:8). He lies in wait for us like a serpent seeking a favorable moment to strike us
swiftly and silently. The devil is very clever and makes use of a multitude of devices to tempt us.
Whenever the devil attempts to lead us astray, we may be sure that God is also at hand;
for no temptation can come to us which He has not permitted. Temptations are not God’s
work, but He permits them that we may be strengthened in virtue. He weighs and measures
every temptation to which we are subject and makes use of it to advance us in holiness. He has
foreseen the effects of the temptation upon us, and in His infinite wisdom has permitted us to
suffer the trial. The devil cannot come near us until the Lord has first set the conditions and
has provided us with the grace we need to resist the temptation. Why, then, should we fear
temptation? “Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful
who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able; but will make also with
temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).
“Suffer both to grow.” Temptations are beneficial to the soul and help it to grow in virtue.
They prove, refine, and strengthen our loyalty to God and His commandments. There is no real
virtue that is not tried virtue. We are so attached to the world that temptations are necessary to
convince us that the world is not the greatest and highest good. By suffering trials and temptations
valiantly and patiently, we may also make satisfaction for our past failures. We may also
154