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The Voice of Christ
My child, patience and humility in adversity are more
pleasing to Me than much consolation and devotion
when things are going well.
Why are you saddened by some little thing said
against you? Even if it had been more you ought not
to have been affected. But now let it pass. It is not
the first, nor is it anything new, and if you live
long it will not be the last.
You are manly enough so long as you meet no
opposition. You give good advice to others, and you
know how to strengthen them with words, but when
unexpected tribulation comes to your door, you fail
both in counsel and in strength. Consider your great
weakness, then, which you experience so often in
small matters. Yet when these and like trials happen,
they happen for your good.Put it out of your heart
as best you know how, and if it has touched you,
still do not let it cast you down or confuse you for
long. Bear it patiently at least, if you cannot bear
it cheerfully. Even though you bear it unwillingly,
and are indignant at it, restrain yourself and let no
ill-ordered words pass your lips at which the weak
might be scandalized. The storm that is now aroused
will soon be quieted and your inward grief will be
sweetened by returning grace. "I yet live," says the
Lord, "ready to help you and to console you more and
more, if you trust in Me and call devoutly upon Me."
Remain tranquil and prepare to bear still greater
trials. All is not lost even though you be troubled
oftener or tempted more grievously. You are a man,
not God. You are flesh, not an angel. How can you
possibly expect to remain always in the same state of
virtue when the angels in heaven and the first man in
paradise failed to do so? I am He Who rescues the
afflicted and brings to My divinity those who know
their own weakness.
The Disciple
Blessed be Your words, O Lord, sweeter to my mouth
than honey and the honeycomb. What would I do in such
great trials and anxieties, if You did not strengthen
me with Your holy words? If I may but attain to the
haven of salvation, what does it matter what or how
much I suffer? Grant me a good end. Grant me a happy
passage out of this world. Remember me, my God, and
lead me by the right way into Your kingdom. |