Hope for Victory 

   “Have a firm hope that you will attain the victory; but do not presume on this, for then there is danger of your becoming careless and proud.” (Thomas à Kempis, “The Imitation of Christ”) 

   Arrogance and pride destroys any hope of victory in achieving holiness and salvation.  When we become convinced that we have reached our goal, we risk becoming complacent, believing that we have done all that is necessary.

   Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9: 23).  To follow Jesus is a continuing journey, it doesn’t end with baptism, or confession of our prior sins.  It is a daily effort to continue to live by our baptismal promises and to always seek the Lord’s forgiveness for our sins.

   “If we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.) (1 John 1: 8).  There is not a day that passes when we do not sin.  If we don’t recognize this truth and continue to seek forgiveness our sins will multiply and grow in seriousness.  Satan will tempt us in minor ways initially, hoping that we will grow accustomed to them and consider them as unimportant.  Once that is done, it is an easy step from our minor failings to more serious sins, destroying our relationship with God.

   If we are to hope for victory over sin, for holiness and salvation, we must remain vigilant, never letting our guard down.  We must call on the Lord to strengthen us and to forgive us for our failures.  Only in this way can we hope to achieve the victory; to gain holiness and salvation. 

We are a sinful people.

Our sins are many and often.

Strengthen us to avoid sin.

In Your mercy forgive us when we fail. 

Amen