THE VIRTUE OF PERSEVERANCE | KAIROS GLOBAL | OCTOBER 2026

Author: Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS

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Intro: From Psalms 40, 37 and 118, Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS reflects on the journey of perseverance.

In the Catholic dictionary, perseverance is ‘to remain in the state of grace until the end of life.’ Perseverance is the virtue that enables us to remain steadfast in the pursuit of the good despite difficulties, obstacles and discouragement. The Christian life is not just about beginning well; it is about remaining faithful until the end. 

Perseverance teaches us to wait without abandoning hope, to continue without immediate results and to rise again whenever we fall. St Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be canonised, beautifully teaches us that, ‘Perseverance is a great grace. To go on gaining and advancing every day, we must be resolute, and bear and suffer as our blessed forerunners did. Which of them gained heaven without a struggle?’

The Psalms beautifully express this journey of the faithful heart. They speak of waiting, suffering, trusting, falling, rising and continuing. They remind us that God promises His presence throughout the journey.

Psalm 40 – Perseverance that waits patiently for God

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry (Psalm 40:2).

In Psalm 40, the Psalmist cries to God. His experience teaches us something essential about perseverance: sometimes faithfulness means simply remaining before God when the answer has not yet arrived. He waits, cries out and continues to trust until God lifts him from the pit and establishes his feet upon a rock. Perseverance here is presented as ‘patient waiting’ and remaining faithful even when God’s intervention seems delayed.

• Keep praying even when your prayer seems unanswered.

• God’s delays are not His denials.

• Trust that the God who hears your cry is working even when you can’t see.

Psalm 37 – Perseverance that continues to do good

Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and befriend faithfulness (Psalm 37:3).

In Psalm 37, the Psalmist repeatedly calls to trust, wait patiently and continue doing good. Perseverance means refusing to let disappointment, comparison or the apparent success of wrongdoing change our commitment to what is right. Perseverance here is presented as ‘steadfast faithfulness’ and in continuing to do good even when the fruits are not immediately visible.

• Continue doing what is right even when nobody notices.

• Do not allow another person’s wrongdoing to make you abandon goodness.

• Remain faithful to your duties, commitments and vocation even when you feel discouraged.

Psalm 118 – Perseverance that endures until victory

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me (Psalm 118:13).

In Psalm 118, the Psalmist experiences pressure, opposition and danger, yet repeatedly declares his trust in the Lord. His perseverance reaches its climax in the triumphant proclamation: I shall not die, but I shall live, and declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:17). Perseverance here is presented as ‘endurance’ and in refusing to surrender even when life pushes us to the limits.

• When you are knocked down, get up again with God’s strength.

• Remember that God is greater than your tough circumstances.

• Remain faithful until God brings you through the battle you are facing. 

This month, let us especially practise the virtue of perseverance – the courage to remain faithful when enthusiasm fades, when prayers seem unanswered, when progress is slow and when difficulties repeatedly test our resolve. 

The powerful words of St Catherine of Bologna are both a challenge and a consolation to us: So blessed are you if you persevere in doing good, neither seeking nor desiring any consolation, for as St Bernard says: ‘To serve God is nothing else than to do good and suffer evil, and the rule of the true servant of Christ is never to receive consolation except in time of great necessity. This is the secure way; for whoever wants to go to God through sweetness and consolation is deceived.’

Through Psalms 40, 37 and 118, we are invited to wait patiently, remain steadfast and endure courageously. Let us pray with St Thomas Aquinas: Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.

May our life be a bold proclamation that ‘perseverance turns faithful beginnings into lasting holiness!’

God Bless! Live Jesus!