The Gift of Perserverance

     “Above all, it is necessary to ask of God every morning the gift of perseverance, and to beg of the Blessed Virgin to obtain it for you, and particularly in the time of temptation, by invoking the name of Jesus and Mary as long as the temptation lasts. Happy the man who will continue to act in this manner, and shall be found so doing when Jesus Christ shall come to judge him. ‘Blessed is that servant, whom, when his Lord shall come, he shall find so doing’ (Matt. 24:46).” St. Alphonsus De Liguori



     It is quite clear that St. Alphonsus was well aware of our human weakness. It is so very difficult for us to consistently strive, day in and day out, in our quest toward holiness. We grow weary, tired, and impatient, and can long for days when life could be a bit easier.


     More dirty dishes, endless deadlines, countless demands on our time, no apparent gratification, a sick child, a demanding relative, house repairs, financial difficulties, car troubles – and it’s only 9 a.m.! Dare we take the time to take a deep breath and remember God’s presence.

     We often forget that it is within our particular vocation, that God is calling us to become saints. Here, within the mundane actions of our lives, are mines filled with golden opportunities to be offered to God. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15 vs. 58).

     Loving God is doing all for Him to the best of our ability. It means carrying out our responsibilities whether we feel like it or not. Uniting our efforts and duties to Christ’s so they may become sanctified: Getting up when the alarm goes off for the glory of God; emptying the dishwasher for the glory of God; folding and ironing the laundry for the glory of God; doing each task at work for the glory of God; preparing each meal for the glory of God; comforting the needy for the glory of God.

     St. Alphonsus lived and walked on this earth. He knew and experienced the weariness that can accompany our human nature at times. He also knew that to continue to “do all things well," and “accomplish the will of the Father,” he needed to be filled by God.

     He, like the saints before him and after him, depended on the Father to bless him with the graces and gifts that he needed. He did not just run to God when a necessity arose, but spent time in prayer and in communion with God daily. He recognized his dependence upon God and clung to Him for all of his needs.

     Let us take the advice of St. Alphonsus and, upon awakening each day, ask the good Lord for the grace of perseverance. Let us not grow weary in running to Him for this gift. And when we are tempted to slack off or throw in the towel, invoke the names of Jesus and Mary, begging for the grace to stand fast and be faithful.

     When we begin to depend more upon God’s strength than our own, we will find that even with life’s difficult events, they will not be as burdensome. We will be aware of His loving concern and His willingness to help.

     Let us ask St. Alphonsus to intercede for us that we will be like the servant “whom the Master finds vigilant on His arrival” (Luke 12 vs. 37).  And at the end of our lives, when we stand before God, may we hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your Master’s joy” (Matt. 25 vs. 21).