Our Daily Bread: Rom 7:18-25a; Luke 12:54-59

So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.

We may take some comfort in knowing that the great St. Paul was as conflicted as we are in our struggles with sin. But why are we so bad at being good? Paul’s analysis uncovers a principle: Wherever we are, whatever we do, evil lurks around every corner. The struggle between good and evil permeates the cosmos, right down to our own hearts. We must continually rout out evil there as we strive also to do so in the world. Our efforts to do good always will include fighting off discouragement over our own weakness and disappointment over the slowness of our progress.

*For courage, patience and growth in virtue, we pray.