“I tell you in all truth, no one must consider himself a servant of God until he has undergone temptations and tribulations. Temptations overcome is in a way a ring with which the Lord espouses the soul of his servant to himself.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
Author’s note: When we are racked with temptations, especially those of the flesh, we can go in either two directions: the pain of the desire brings us closer to God, or, we are overcome and surrender our bodies over to the flesh. When we resist, our relationship with Christ grows; for example, I have friends that I have been through some pretty tough times with; they were with me when I was very physically ill; when I was tormented, and, when I found solace in Christ. The bond with these comrades surpasses any sort of relationship I have with others, though they may be very kind, and generous souls – we have not been through the fire together. The same thing goes with Our Lord: for, when we truly reveal ourselves to Him, and allow Him to share in our agony – He becomes less distant, less nebulous, and more infinite and all-encompassing in our reality and experience. If we keep God at a distance, refuse to share our innermost ordeals with Him, or become embarrassed or secretive in prayer or during Confession – He will merely be a pleasant acquaintance; someone you send a Christmas card to; or infrequently share pleasantries at parties or while passing in and out of church; for Him to become your spouse, you must give and sacrifice all for His stake; and for your own.