To bear the cross, to love the cross, to chastise the body and bring it under subjection, to fly honors, to be willing to suffer reproaches, to despise one's self, and wish to be despised; to bear all adversities and losses, and to desire no prosperity in this world, is not according to man's natural inclination.
If thou lookest to thyself, thou canst do nothing of this of thyself. But if thou confidest in the Lord, strength will be given thee from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to thee.
- Bk. II, ch. xii.
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It is true that it costs us much to give Our Lord what He is asking, but what joy it is to feel the cost and carry our cross so weakly! Instead of reproaching Him for having sent us this cross, I cannot fathom the depths of divine love which move Him so to treat us. God must love Father very dearly to send him such suffering. What joy for us to share this humiliation with him!
I know that the only way to sanctity is by humiliations, and our great trial should prove a veritable goldmine for us. I, who am but a little grain of sand, face the task without courage or strength, but my weakness will be victorious, as I undertake to do this out of love. This is the beginning of martyrdom, let us enter the arena together and offer up our sufferings for the salvation of souls.
- L.
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For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
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