The spiritual journey is indeed a divine challenge—a call from Christ to engage in a prolonged, hard-fought battle, achieving one small victory at a time. As we draw nearer to salvation, the challenges intensify, demanding greater resilience and strength from us. This escalation is a testament to the profound truth that the closer we get to the light, the darker the shadows we must confront. It is in this context that we must muster the courage to face the darkness within, to stand firm and resolutely say “NO!” to Satan, to bigotry, and to any form of bondage that seeks to ensnare us. This includes the particularly insidious chains of unrequited love, where the affection we pour out is not reciprocated, leaving us bound to a love that does not serve our higher purpose. It’s a clarion call to break free from these chains, to reject the temptations and illusions that distract us from our true path, and to steadfastly pursue the light of salvation with every fiber of our being. This journey is not for the faint of heart; it is a testament to our strength, dedication, and unwavering commitment to spiritual growth and enlightenment.