Gospel Commentary for Friday, October 24, 2025

The Signs of the Times and God’s Judgment

We are struck and moved by Paul’s sincerity in his struggle against sin. The tone of his words shows clearly that he is not speaking in theory but describing his own dramatic inner battle with sin—what he elsewhere calls the “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:7). We don’t know exactly what that thorn was, and perhaps it’s better that way, so that each of us can recognize our own. We often imagine the lives of the saints as peaceful and clear paths, disturbed only by external trials or opposition. Yet the spiritual life is also a true inner struggle, in which human nature—inclined toward sin—must continually overcome itself and choose Christ Jesus. Paul admits his powerlessness, yet he recognizes that victory is possible through the grace of God poured out upon us in Christ Jesus.

In this battle, it’s vital to recognize the signs of grace that help and sustain us. God grants them abundantly—through His Word and the sacraments—but also in many other ways: through personal inspirations, through the words and example of others, through fraternal correction, and even through difficult situations that draw us back to Christ. The present moment is a time of salvation—a time to be used to reconcile with God, with our brothers and sisters, and even with ourselves—so that God’s judgment will not turn against us for having rejected the mercy that is the very heart of that judgment.

The saints also help us in this struggle. They are living examples of grace’s victory within human nature—signs that point us toward God’s merciful judgment. Today the Church celebrates Saint Anthony Mary Claret, a great saint who illuminated nineteenth-century Spain. He fought great battles, and his fruitful and missionary spirit continues to this day through the religious families he founded.

Fraternal greetings,