Faith Conquers a Person Totally for God

Faith conquers because it makes us accept what is in the creed. It conquers because it makes us … observe the law of God … It conquers because it makes us receive the sacraments. It conquers because of the comforts in the tribulations of life … It conquers because of the eternal possession of heaven. (OOCC, XII, p. 152)

St. Vincent Pallotti believed in the conquering power of faith. Faith makes us surrender ourselves totally to God and to place all our burdens of life in his hands. As a result, we are filled with the strength of the power of God, as we are not facing the struggles of our lives all alone but with him. With him at our side and never walking alone in coping with the troubles of life, we can become true conquerors of every difficult situation. According to St. Vincent, faith is capable of conquering any form of difficulties for the following reasons. First, faith conquers because it makes us accept those truths which are contained in our profession of faith. Second, it conquers because it makes us live the commandments of God and thereby attain eternal life. Third, faith conquers because it opens us to the life of grace through the sacraments of the Church. Fourth, faith conquers because it comforts us in our tribulations and especially at the moment of our death. Finally, faith conquers because it leads us to the eternal possession of heaven. Thus, for St. Vincent, faith gives life to our thoughts, words and deeds and strengthens our sense of purpose in doing whatever we are called to do, thereby allowing us to conquer every eventuality we face in our life.

Do I believe that I am able to cope with every situation in my life with the help of faith? Do I allow faith to conquer by opening myself to the strength God gives? Am I able to surrender the totality of my life into the hands of God?

For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (Mt. 17:20)