DAILY CONTEMPLATION
October 3, 2024 ~ Thoout 23, 1741
When we have said, “Lead us not into temptation” there follows, “But deliver us from evil.”
Now whoever wishes to be delivered from evil, bears witness that he is in evil.
And thus says the apostle, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16).
But who is there that wishes for life, and loves to see good days? (1 Pet 3:10)
Seeing that all men in this flesh have only evil days, who does not wish it?
Do what follows, “refrain [your] tongue from evil, and [your] lips from speaking deceit…
Turn away from evil and do good… seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet 3:10-11);
then you have got rid of evil days, and your prayer, “deliver us from evil” is fulfilled.
St. Augustine, On the Lord’s Prayer