Just for Today, March 26

Deal not roughly with one that is tempted, but comfort him, as thou wouldst wish to be done to thy­self.

In temptations and tribulations a man is proved as to what progress he has made: and in them there is greater merit, and his virtue appears more conspicuous. Nor is it much if a man be devout and fervent when he feels no trouble; but if in the time of adversity he bears up with patience, there will be hope of a great advance­ment.

Some are preserved from great temptations, and are often overcome in daily little ones; that being humbled, they may never presume of themselves in great things, who are weak in such small occurences.

-Bk. I, ch. xiii.
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You complain of the very thing in which you ought to rejoice. Where would be your merit if you only made an effort when you felt courageous? It does not matter in the least whether you are feeling brave, as long as you act bravely. If you feel too cowardly to stoop down and pick up a thread, and yet do so for love of Our Lord, your merit is greater than if you had accomplished some great deed in a moment of fervour. Instead of repining, be glad that Our Lord lets you feel your weakness, so that you may profit by it to win souls.

-Conseils et Souvenirs
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Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.