2849. Such a battle and such a victory become possible only through prayer. It is by his prayer that Jesus vanquishes the tempter, both at the outset of his public mission and in the ultimate struggle of his agony.159 In this petition to our heavenly Father, Christ unites us to his battle and his agony. He urges us to vigilance of the heart in communion with his own. Vigilance is “custody of the heart,” and Jesus prayed for us to the Father: “Keep them in your name.”160 The Holy Spirit constantly seeks to awaken us to keep watch.161 Finally, this petition takes on all its dramatic meaning in relation to the last temptation of our earthly battle; it asks for final perseverance. “Lo, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is he who is awake.”162
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
126. What place does the Resurrection of Christ occupy in our faith?
302. What are the essential elements of the sacrament of Reconciliation?
596. What does “Lead us not into temptation” mean?
528. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?
22. What importance does the New Testament have for Christians?
140. What does it mean that the Spirit “has spoken through the prophets”?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What can we learn about the theology of suffering from the story of Job described in Job 1:1-22?
How to experience communion with God?
What does Nahum 1:9 say about God’s mercy to those who repent?
The Tower of Babel: What Does This Story Teach Us About God’s Sovereignty? (Genesis 11:1-9)
What is the meaning of the “True Vine” metaphor in John 15:1-8?
How are God’s justice and mercy revealed in Isaiah? (Isaiah 58:1-14)
What is the importance of gratitude in the Christian life, according to the first letter to Timothy?
