One step forward, two steps back

St Paul complains that he cannot do the good he wills, and the good he wills, he cannot do. Anyone who tries to live the Christian life knows this problem. The project of seeking holiness seems set about with blocks and difficulties, which come not only from outside circumstances, but from a seeming incapacity on our part to perform what we set out to do. Here we have to be patient, pray, and trust all to the mercy of God in prayer, while continuing to strive towards perfection in our lives. Often these struggles help to build up our relationship with Christ as more and more we come to understand how wholly dependent on grace we are for every good gift, even the good gift of good behaviour.

#text