‘It is not the beginning that is rewarded, but perseverance’ (Saint Catherine of Siena).
There is a very powerful proverb that says, ‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions.’ It is a serious warning not to falter on the good path that has been taken or that one wishes to take. Sacred Scripture also gives us similar admonitions, with different formulations. It is always a matter of exhorting us to perseverance and constancy on the path of God.
Without a doubt, our Father comes to our aid, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially that of fortitude, seek to strengthen us on our path, even beyond what the virtue of fortitude alone could achieve. However, the latter must be sought with the help of the Holy Spirit, and we will acquire it in small steps.
There are some souls who, moved by a particular grace that influences their feelings, are able and willing to take certain steps, but then they become frightened by the consequences these steps may have and tend to retreat.
If we notice such tendencies in ourselves that prevent us from moving forward on our path or lead us to neglect it time and again, we must recognise them and try to overcome them with God’s help.
With each step, no matter how small, we become more firmly established within ourselves and learn the perseverance of which Saint Catherine of Siena speaks in today’s quote. In this way, we mature on the path of following Christ, and the next step will be easier for us, which will strengthen us once again.
Our Father knows our weakness very well and wants to support and encourage us. But it is also important that we do not shirk our responsibility and that we try again and again if we have been weak. With God’s grace, we will reach our goal. Even if we do not achieve great victories, our Father wants to see us as fighters. In His goodness, He will credit us for this on our journey towards Him.