To suffer is to take the difficulty and to carry it with strength, so that the difficulty does not drag us down. To carry it with strength: this is a Christian virtue. Saint Paul says several times: endure. This means do not let ourselves be overcome by difficulties. This means that the Christian has the strength not to give up. Carry [these burdens], but carry them with strength. It is not easy, because discouragement comes, and one has the urge to give up and say, “Well, come on, we’ll do what we can and no more.” But no, it is a grace to suffer. We find so many Christians who are sad, discouraged, because they did not have this grace of enduring with patience and overcoming with love.
From: An Address on Vatican Radio
John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
Daily Email
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment