Not dialoguing with temptation

It is one thing to think or to feel, another to consent. Temptations can easily be rejected: “The smallest grace is sufficient to resist any amount of concupiscence, and to merit eternal life.”¹⁶ What we must absolutely never do is dialogue with the passions, which threaten to get out of control.

Temptation is overcome by prayer and mortification. But I, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest (Ps 35[34]:13). Apply to your life of dedication this conviction: that if we are faithful, we will be able to do a lot of good in the world. Be strong, firm, upright, unyielding before the deceitful attractions of infidelity.

Turning to God and mortifying oneself

Thus we will be able to say with the psalmist: I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me (Ps 118[117]:13). We love you, Lord, for when temptation comes you give us the help of your strength – of your grace – so we can be victorious. We thank you, Lord, for letting us be tested, in order to make us humble.