The book of Kings tells us that Solomon, David’s son, renowned for his wisdom, ended up falling into idolatry, worshipping pagan gods, prompted by the influence of his foreign wives.
Newsdesk (26/02/2023 10:51 AM, Gaudium Press) Sometimes, thinking that the ancient enemies over whom we had achieved victories are already defeated, we suddenly see them reappear where we least expect them. The wisest man in the world, Solomon, who had done so many marvels in his youth, judging himself to be safe and secure on account of the greatness of his virtue and confident by the years that had elapsed, when it seemed to him that he was free from assaults, was surprised by the enemy whom, apparently, he should have feared least.
This was so that we may learn two most useful lessons: the first is that we must always mistrust ourselves, walk in holy fear, continually implore the help of Heaven, and cultivate a life of humble devotion. The second is that our enemies may be repulsed, but not slain; they sometimes leave us in peace, but it is only to move towards a more fierce warfare.
“Be not troubled”
But in spite of this, you must not be discouraged … These little misfortunes compel us to look deep into ourselves, to consider our weakness, and to have more fervent recourse to the Divine Protector. Saint Peter was walking safely on the waves; a gale broke out and the choppy waves seemed to want to devour him. It was then that he exclaimed, “Lord, save me!” And Our Lord stretched out His hand and said to him, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31). It is amid the agitation of our passions, the winds, and the storms of temptation that we cry out for the Saviour, because if He allows us to be shaken from one side to the other, it is in order to stir us to call upon Him with greater ardour.
Let us humble ourselves; let us confess that if God were not our fortress and shield, we would immediately be wounded and overcome by every kind of sin. This is why we should be steadfast in God through perseverance in our devotional practises: let this be our chief concern; the rest is secondary.
Even if it sometimes happens to you that you are buffeted by self-love and weakness, do not let yourself be disturbed; God permits it so that you may take hold of His hand, humble yourself and cry out for His fatherly help.
Excerpted, with some adaptations, from: TISSOT, Joseph. A arte de aproveitar as próprias faltas. São Paulo: Cultor de Livros, 2022, p.118.
Compiled by Roberta MacEwan
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