Drawing on the examples of St. Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Anthony, the Pope noted that many saints experienced hardship in their spiritual lives which resulted in “a deeper and more mature relationship with the Lord.”
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on Christian prayer, we now consider the traditional theme of “spiritual combat.”
The great spiritual masters recognize that prayer is not always easy, for our human nature is frequently distracted or tempted by seemingly more important priorities.
The Catechism teaches that prayer, although a free and unmerited gift of God’s grace, can be affected by our human experiences of discouragement, sadness or disappointment (cf. No. 2728).
Many of the saints in fact experienced long periods of spiritual dryness and even darkness. They teach us that the only response to these temptations is greater perseverance.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola uses military imagery to stress the importance of discipline in our efforts to serve under the banner of Christ. Saint Anthony learned from his harsh spiritual battles in the desert that although God may at times seem absent amid these struggles, he remains
always at our side.
In our daily efforts to persevere in prayer may we trust that our own spiritual combat, like that of Jacob and the angel (cf. Gen 28:16), will bear fruit in a deeper and more mature relationship with the Lord.
I cordially greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors. As we prepare to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, I invoke upon you and your families the peace and joy that come from the risen Christ.
May God bless you!
Justin McLellan
