Thought for the Day – 6 March – Of the Efforts of the Devil to Prevent the Conversion of Those Who Desire It (Part One)

Thought for the Day – 6 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXIX: … Of the Efforts of the Devil to Prevent
the Conversion of Those Who Desire It
(Part One)

“When a man begins to perceive the evil of his life and to desire to change it, the devil often deludes and overcomes him by such means as these:
“Presently, presently.”
“Cras, cras” (tomorrow, tomorrow) as the raven cries.
“I wish first to consider and dispatch this business, this perplexity that I may then be able to give myself, with greater tranquillity to spiritual things.”

These are snares in which many men have been and are still daily entangled and, the cause of this, is our own negligence and heedlessness, seeing that, in a matter touching the honour of God and the salvation of the soul, we neglect to seize, instantly that effectual weapon — “Now, now!” … “Even supposing this ‘presently’ and this ‘tomorrow’ should be granted to me, is it the way of safety and of victory to seek first to be wounded and to commit fresh disorders?!”

You see, then, that the way to escape these snares and that mentioned in the preceding chapter and, to subdue the enemy, is, to yield prompt obedience to all heavenly thoughts and inspirations.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli