Theological Foundations new file

77 Life in Christ sinners, bestowed graces upon the righteous and obtained salvation for all. Therefore, the power which He granted to his disciples may not remain useless, either. 72 Our Founder draws our attention to yet another sphere in which we should imitate Christ as we work on ourselves. Man gives in to tempta- tions and there is nothing surprising about it. Jesus Himself wanted to share this experience, too. “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilder- ness to be tempted by the devil” (Mt 4, 1). “Look and behold a very pos- itive result of temptation. The evil spirit attacked, the God-Man resist- ed and won, while the other one was defeated and ran away. The God- Man was surrounded by angels and strengthened. This is how Divine Providence deals with those who are being tempted: it allows them to be attacked, it leaves them to their own strength; it allows the tempted man to fight bravely as he is hit and drowned by the waves of various temp- tations, but, in the end, it brings him joy and consolation: “To him who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life” (Rev 2, 7). Just as the earthly rulers, who lavish exceptional rewards, wreaths, titles, and vari- ous graces on their comrades in arms after a well-fought battle and vic- tory, our Heavenly Ruler showers his own with miraculous graces like spiritual consolation, visions, revelations (oh, how unworthy of them you are!), highest charisms and heavenly gifts, after a good, courageous, ardent and triumphant battle with temptation. Fight, fight like a hero and persevere.” 73 A soul that follows Christ often experiences spiritual consolations, so that it would not break down at the moment of trial. Christ showed His glory to the three disciples on Mount Tabor, so that they would not fear the experiences which awaited them later. To those who follow Him today, He shows a portion of His glory, especially in the Holy Eucharist. He allows them to taste the heavenly sweetness, so that they would glad- ly undertake any labors later, when they become desolate and lonely. For whoever tastes His sweetness once, will never seek anything else in the world but Him; nothing will be too disagreeable or difficult for him. 74 The vision of the Christian life; a life based on the imitation of Christ,