If indeed there had been anything better and more beneficial to man's salvation than suffering, Christ certainly would have shown it by word and example. For He manifestly exhorts both His disciples that followed Him, and all that desire to follow Him, to bear the cross, saying: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke ix, 23).
So that when we have read and searched all, let this be the final conclusion, that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts xiv, 21).
-Bk. II, ch. xii.
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On this earth where all things change, there is one thing that does not change, and that is the way the King of kings treats His friends. Ever since the standard of the Cross was lifted up, all must strive for victory beneath its shadow. As Theophane Venard reminds us: The life of a missionary is made up of crosses. True happiness lies in suffering, and if we wish to live, we must first die.
My dear brother, be glad that the beginning of your apostolate is marked with the cross. Suffering and persecution bring about the reign of Christ in souls more effectually than eloquent preaching.
-Letters
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For more information, 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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