Determination and Will
The lecture addresses the necessity of strengthening the spiritual will in the believer so that he is not only theoretically loving goodness, but actually has the power to resist sin and practice virtue.
Causes of weak will
His Holiness explains that the weakening of the will arises from remaining in the sphere of sin, prolonged exposure to temptations and lusts, slackness, laziness, and deficiency of spiritual means (such as prayer, the Holy Bible, and spiritual gatherings).
Means to strengthen the will
He recommends distancing from the material of sin and its causes, and avoiding places and media that stir lusts or weaken conscience, with the importance of swift resistance when a wrong thought comes (speed before the thought takes dominion).
Trainings and commitment
He clarifies that the will is strengthened by coercion and practical training: forcing the self to do good (fasting, prayer, asceticism) continuously until it becomes a habit, and with commitment and seriousness in spiritual practice there is no room for bargaining or excuses.
Role of spiritual means
He explains that strengthening spiritual means — reading the Holy Bible, prayers, the rosary (tasbeha), Christian gatherings, repentance and confession — balances the influences of the world and grants inner resistance against external temptations.
Vigilance of conscience and avoiding gradualness
He urges vigilance of conscience and constant self-examination, and warns against gradualness in sin; because the small repeated step grows and leads to a great fall, therefore one must restrain speech, senses and thought from the start.
Examples and arguments
He cites the apostles and saints and biblical stories (like Joseph, Samson, Lot and Peter) to show how the environment, duration, and quick response affect the strength of the will, and that the serious and resolute person succeeds in overcoming obstacles.
Practical conclusion
The summary is that the believer must distance himself from the causes of sin, seize his weak points by training and commitment, hasten in resisting temptations, and increase the means of grace in his life so that his will is strengthened and his spiritual walk is established.
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