Patience - January 3

Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings

DESOLATION

As long as we live, we shall be liable to alter­nating periods of joy and gloom. "The days come of which we say: They please me not." They are a searching trial, and a keen test of our love for our Lord; yet on those days He seeks fruit at our hands as much as on the sunny days, and we must not "send Him empty away."

When these dark days come, while we are ill, in bed all day, in pain, more or less, all day, un­able to read or work and disinclined for prayer, to face and profit by them is far from easy, yet noble and possible.

To fight against feelings of desolation and to act as though their pressure were not felt, espe­cially before those who would be distressed did they know our trial, is good and meritorious. But only up to a point. In our own quiet mo­ments, when alone, or with a friend who under­stands and whose business it is to be "acquainted with grief," a few warm tears, a few words about ourselves an opening of the heart and mind so that the oil of sympathy may find its entrance: - these are lawful and good, and should not be neglected as though they were weak or cowardly. They are the avenues blest by our Lord, who comforted the widow wi th the words "weep not," who Himself "sought for one to comfort Him," and who "heals the broken of heart."

On our dark days we should pray: not long or heavy prayers, but short prayers without strain.

We should look at the crucifix, uniting our sufferings with the sufferings of our Saviour, for all the interests and intentions of His Sacred Heart, and make fervent ejaculations, e.g., "My God and my All!" "All for Thee, most Sacred Heart of Jesus!" "My Jesus, Mercy!"

____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See