Meditations

THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF SUFFERING For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake. Philippians 1.29 What a precious gift suffering is, and we do not recognize it. Suffering is no less precious than the faith poured out in our souls by the Holy Spirit. It is the blessed sign of mercy when God makes us suffer. But is our suffering to be forced and full of impatience? No, that is the way the demons suffer. One who suffers without being willing to suffer will find in his affliction the mere beginning of eternal sorrow. Whoever submits to God in his suffering transforms his anguish into infinite good. Therefore, dear God, I long to suffer in peace and with love. It is not enough to believe your holy truths, we must follow them. They condemn us to suffering, but they reveal its value. Lord, bring new life to my languishing faith. Let others see the faith and patience of your saints shining once again in me. And if some impatient word escapes my lips, at least let me immediately humble myself and offer reparation for it through my suffering.