These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

Our Lord Jesus Christ never promised us an easy life. Words taken from the Gospel of John 16:33 states that explicitly but Jesus told us to take hold in confidence because He has overcome the world. But what does that mean exactly and what does this have to do with understanding the failures we encounter in our lives? Firstly, let us all recommend ourselves to reverent prayer before God's infinite wisdom and to diligently probe the Deposit of the Faith regarding all that has been revealed for true knowledge. Our dear Jesus did not come so that we may live a life above mediocrity or that we might come to the knowledge that we are above reproach because of His love for us. No, Jesus came so that we may have eternal life through His saving sacrifice on the cross. He came to establish His Church and through it save countless souls who would later walk the earth. He came to make war with and destroy Satan and his diabolical kingdom. Hence, Holy Mother Church follows her Lord in the same purpose with the same goal: to save souls. Anything else that the Church does is accidental – period. Departing from this holy thought, let us now look at ourselves. Let us look at ourselves with the eyes of a loving parent who wants to emotionally and spiritually comfort their precious child. Just as a child fails before a loving parent God also looks tenderly upon those who suffer. But this does not mean the suffering or failure is removed or remedied for the sake of that precious child. In our sufferings, we are often left with the cross for a greater reason – the main reason is to allow God's glory to manifest through our suffering and the secondary reason is often meant to purge us from something that keeps us from becoming saints. However, in our failures, we see more clearly the need for God's assistance. For we are dependent upon God in all things,

I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

While this may not be the first thought the moment we fail, we should eventually come to this realization. Do not instead turn inwardly and say to yourself: “How could I fail?!” - that, my friend is pride. How is it that YOU could fail at ANYTHING? Oh put your shabby and ever fading glory down and humble yourself and be still! Failure is an amazing teaching tool that God uses for us and also a test for those who fancy themselves teachers – for in one moment, the teacher can swiftly become the student and it often happens for all to see. Therefore, pray for humility so that WHEN you fail, you may see the greater purpose. If you are being diligent in your prayers and always asking for graces necessary to advance into holiness then also allow God to ready your heart for your shortcomings as well as sufferings that you can do nothing to avert. It is true that ever since the fail of Adam and Eve, mankind has obtained a horror of discomfort or failure of any kind. If it hurts we pull back from it immediately and seek a path of least resistance. Now, I'm not talking about putting yourself into suffering deliberately such as casting yourself into flames but rather to refuse what is necessary to obtain the reward. As I mentioned before, to 'seek a path of least resistance' in matters of faith or morals is a sin of sloth as well as effeminacy. To shrink back from the task at hand because of failure or even fear of failure concerning our moral duty and vocation in life is a satanic act and one that shows a blatant disdain in God's providence for you. How can any failure be greater in consequence or pain than the eternally powerful God of all creation? Brothers and sisters, do not allow yourself to fall into despair nor become despondent because of failures but rather see them in the correct context that which elevates your heart to heaven. And remember even in your failures to comfort yourself and one another with holy words,

I can do all these things in him who strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:13

Amen.