Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health Vailankanni

The nearer the king approaches, the more we should pray. The nearer the moment arrives for bestowing the trophy on the combatant, the harder we should struggle. This is what they do at the races: as the end of the course nears and they are reaching the goal, they stir up the horses' enthusiasm even more. In the same way Saint Paul says: "Now is salvation nearer to us than when first we believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand" (Rm 13:11-12). Since night is disappearing and day is coming to view, let us carry out the works of day and leave behind the works of darkness. This is what we do in the course of life: when we see night giving way to dawn and hear the swallows singing, then we rouse one another even though it is still dark... We hurry to our daily tasks; we get dressed after being snatched from sleep so that the sun will find us ready. What we do then, let us do now. Let us shake off our dreams, rouse ourselves from thoughts of this present life, leave our heavy slumber and put on the garment of virtue. This is what the apostle clearly says to us: "Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (v.12). For day is calling us to the battle, to the fight. But don't be afraid when you hear these words about fighting and combat! For if it is uncomfortable to put on heavy material armor, it is pleasant, on the other hand, to put on spiritual armor, for this is an armor of light. In this way you will shine more brightly than the sun and, even as you sparkle brightly, you will be safe because these are weapons..., weapons of light. So then? Are we excused from fighting? Not at all! We are to fight but without being overcome by fatigue and without pain. For it is not so much a war to which we are being summoned as a feast and celebration.

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"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified"

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