JEANS & LIPSTICK
“The beginning of evil is the lack of vigilance, and the end is despair.”
Father Mousa’s sermon was nothing short of captivating. He has a gift for pulling you in, holding your attention, and then anchoring you in truth. One quote he shared, from St. Paisios of Mt. Athos, struck me deeply: “The devil does not wage war openly. He comes subtly, little by little, so we don’t even notice what’s happening.”
This idea of evil’s slow, creeping advance isn’t new. St. John of the Ladder warned,
“The beginning of evil is the lack of vigilance, and the end is despair.”
St. Seraphim of Sarov echoed this, noting how the world can grow so used to sin that it feels normal—only those who cling to prayer and repentance see clearly. I’m far from perfect, a sinner stumbling along. Yet these words remind me to stay vigilant, to keep seeking grace.
“The devil does not wage war openly. He comes subtly, little by little, so we don’t even notice what’s happening.”