Patience - November 23

Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings

ACQUIRING CONFORMITY WITH JESUS CHRIST

Listen to His own words:

"If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever shall save his life, shall lose it; and he that will lose his life for My sake, shall save it. He that taketh up not his cross and followeth Me, is not worthy of Me."

Hear how St. Paul teaches the same doctrine. "You have received the Spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (i.e., Father)! For the Spirit Himself giveth testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God and joint-heirs with Christ; yet so if we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him."

Consequently, if you are weighed down by crosses, though you have long tried to lead a life of piety and virtue and, therefore, imagine that you ought to be entirely free from such trials, remember that the heavenly Artist is at work transforming you by slow degrees into a perfect image of Jesus Christ.

If you keep these truths always in mind, they will strengthen and greatly encourage you when tempted to impatience or despondency. Never forget that "You shall reign with Christ in heav­en only if you suffer with Him here on earth."
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Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.

1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See