The Italian painter, Guido Reni, more commonly known as "the guide," pretended that he was able to portray Sorrow in more than three hundred ways, although it is affirmed that he did not boast of the accomplishment.
Providence is more clever than Guido Reni; it can give thousands and thousands of variations of the same sorrow, according to the infinite diversity of souls. I can expect suffering, and more than one kind of suffering. To what extent am I prepared to accept it, to profit by it, to make use of it to advance in virtue, to benefit souls, and to give greater glory to God?
I am forced to admit that I do not know how to suffer, that I often suffer reluctantly, and complain easily. St. Margaret Mary resolved to keep all her little sufferings to herself; except when her sickness was such that it was necessary to tell the infirmarian, she was happy to suffer silently headaches and slight indispositions.
Am I not a bit too quick in seeking remedies? Of course, one must be fit for one's work, and it is better to take an aspirin than have to be replaced in the classroom or office. Common sense is needed, courage is not a synonym for imprudence or lack of simplicity. Don't try, moreover, to play the heroine; acknowledge in all simplicity that you are of little account in the face of suffering.
Everything is transfigured by a good intention; a headache offered with love may save my soul.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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