The young Marius Bernard was obviously struggling with temptations \u2013 the text does not specify their nature, but they were causing obvious distress in his life.. Eugene counsels and encourages him:<\/p>\n
\nThere is nothing simpler, more common, my dear friend, than to have temptations, to be exhausted, even agitated, by detestable thoughts; the greatest saints have gone through these trials and all good men who still live on earth are exposed to this cruel persecution that the enemy of salvation wages even against the children of light.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Should one therefore be surprised? Should it cause one to sink into sadness? Certainly not since it is not a right of Satan and all his instruments to trouble our soul and cause it to lose the peace which the Holy Spirit who dwells in us has come to establish.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Even if the body should feel the annoying impression or intensity of these thoughts, or perhaps only the effect of the blood and its irritations, one must take care not to indulge in an analysis which is ever dangerous.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Your habitual disposition to love God, your constant will not to willingly offend him ought to suffice to reassure you fully.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Marius Bernard, 16 June 1824, EO VI n. 143<\/em><\/p>\n
Our Rule of Life stresses the need for accompaniment in difficult situations: “Each member is invited to seek the counsel and support of a spiritual director in order to discern God’s action in his life and to grow through his personal and apostolic experiences and difficulties.<\/em>” \u00a0\u00a0CC&RR, Rule 33b<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“But he said to me, \u201cMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.\u201d Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” \u00a0\u00a02 Corinthians 12:9<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The young Marius Bernard was obviously struggling with temptations \u2013 the text does not specify their nature, but they were causing obvious distress in his life.. Eugene counsels and encourages him: There is nothing simpler, more common, my dear friend, … Continue reading