838 (PRAYER / JOY / SUCCESS / SORROW / TRIAL)
Usually, we human beings more easily flee to God when we face a specific trial; on the contrary, when we experience a success, we attribute it to ourselves and we tend not to run to the Almighty. That is why I say many times that success, joy, and when everything is comfortable, are a greater temptation than sorrows…
Let us put things in their proper perspective:
First, we must know that whatever good we do or think, it belongs to God! «For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do» (Phil. 2:13). And elsewhere: «Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights» (Jas. 1:17).
And conversely, whatever evil or mistakes we commit, these are our own! As James the Brother of the Lord also says: «Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God… But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death» (Jas. 1:13-15).
Therefore, what I wish to conclude is that: We ought to flee to God even more during our successes, our good achievements and accomplishments (since all good things belong to Him); whereas in our failings, we should find the cause within ourselves, as the primary authors of these evils.
Furthermore, I would say, in everything and at all times, whether in joys or adversities, successes or failures, let us flee to God our Father, the God of lights and of gifts…
And the best way to seek refuge is through the Jesus Prayer:
«Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.»ALL PATERNAL ADVICES (in Blog Format)
ALL PATERNAL ADVICES (translated from no. 664) in PDF/WORD Format)
