No matter how long and how deep has been our relationship with Christ, we always face the danger of falling away from our "sincere and complete devotion to Christ" (2 Cor 11:3). We can be deceived through an "empty, seductive philosophy" (Col 2:8) and "blinded by the god of the present age" (2 Cor 4:4). We can "have an evil and unfaithful spirit and fall away from the living God" (Heb 3:12).

"Our desire is that each of you show the same zeal till the end, fully assured of that for which you hope. Do not grow lazy, but imitate those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises" (Heb 6:11-12). We must discipline our own bodies and master them "for fear that after having preached to others" we ourselves should be rejected (1 Cor 9:27). "Let us lay aside every encumbrance of sin which clings to us and persevere in running the race which lies ahead; let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:1-2).

"Hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle" (Heb 12:3). "Be solicitous to make your call and election permanent, brothers; surely those who do so will never be lost. On the contrary, your entry into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for" (2 Pt 1:10-11).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007

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