To be accustomed to evil is even more terrible than evil itself; such a habit leaves us indifferent, unmoved by the sad spectacle of a multitude of people abandoning themselves to their basest instincts. Thus overcome by a mortal torpor, we become unable to react with indignation at the attacks regularly perpetrated against the honor of God. Our shameful silence reveals the lethargy of our souls, insidiously led into an infamous complicity.
Dear friends and benefactors,
To be accustomed to evil is even more terrible than evil itself; such a habit leaves us indifferent, unmoved by the sad spectacle of a multitude of people abandoning themselves to their basest instincts. Thus overcome by a mortal torpor, we become unable to react with indignation at the attacks regularly perpetrated against the honor of God. Our shameful silence reveals the lethargy of our souls, insidiously led into an infamous complicity.
It would however seem that, sometimes, an impulse overcomes us and that, touched by grace, we get out of our infamous indolence. Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge the obvious: that impulse proves to be only a momentary shiver, which dies quickly and does not resist the vicissitudes of time.
This short-lived euphoria is the tangible proof that the source of our fervor is only a fleeting impression. A man cannot, however, base his conduct on the ebb and flow of his emotions – he would become a pitiable weathervane exposed to the whims of the wind. Man must be elevated, by an inspiration of greatness and nobility, to fight against the surrounding vulgarity that withers the soul. Euphoria is only a vague feeling that briefly intoxicates the soul, but it could never be the foundation upon which we must support ourselves to engage in a victorious reconquest.
On the other hand, if our souls are filled with enthusiasm, they will be able to undertake this crusade and achieve this reconquest which consists, from now on, in releasing souls from their tombs, so that Christ may accomplish in them the wonders of His resurrection.
Enthusiasm is, indeed, the direct fruit of the active presence of God in a soul. This divine activity is not possible unless man agrees to acknowledge his condition of creature and his total dependence on God. And man will not acquire this essential lucidity unless he lives in habitual intimacy with Our Lord Jesus Christ. For that purpose, he must follow the paths of the interior life, which are traced by prayer and the renouncement of his own will. Then, he will be able to frequently go down into the depths of his own soul and be united by faith with the divine Presence.
This union, simple and profound, but imperceptible and somewhat austere in its beginnings, will become the gushing spring of living water that will make him to be always deeply serene and joyful, eager to establish the reign of Christ and ready for all the combats required to attain it. Never defeated or brought down by the many reverses he may suffer, which, seen in the light of the Cross, he will accept with a supernatural joy – the work of God is established upon the rock of Calvary.
Vexilla Regis prodeunt! Our forefathers in the combats of the Faith rose at the strands of this liturgical hymn that celebrates the victory of the banner of the Cross, force and victory of God. They fought for the honor of Christ. Let us learn, in our turn, to follow this path, opened by the sacred Blood of Our Lord – to follow it by our life of prayer and our fidelity to the engagements of our Baptism. Crosses will not be lacking, but grace will not fail and, seized by the enthusiasm of charity, our souls will be able to give themselves for the new blossoming of the Christian virtues, sign that Our Lord finally reigns.
May God grant you a good and holy new year!
In Christo sacerdote et Maria,
Fr. Yves le Roux