Do not become discouraged

Jesus said to his disciples: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10: 24-33)

Who is the first and deadliest enemy in the encounter between God and mankind? Who is the one who can kill our body and soul by casting them into hell? It is certainly not God, who is infinitely good. Nor is it the devil, because he is like a chained up beast who cannot harm us unless we voluntarily enter into his range when giving in to temptation. So everything depends on us! Let us learn to resist temptations and if we do not succeed, let us ask the Divine Mercy for forgiveness and let us commit ourselves to avoiding them in the future by asking for the indispensable help of God's Grace without ever falling into discouragement.