WITH SAINT IGNATIUS DAY BY DAY

We can only come to humility of spirit when we first recognize within ourselves the fall of the human race—its captivity, the cruel dominion of demons, and the reign of eternal death over us. Only then can we cry out to God with prayer and tears from the depths of the heart and from the whole soul. It is through such a cry, through such awareness of our ruin and helpless weakness, that we draw down upon ourselves the grace of God's help.

Therefore, the battles that arise within us actually contribute to our spiritual growth—if we fight bravely and do not faint in cowardice before the victory is won.