Patience
“He that does not take up his cross and follow Me, is not worth of Me.” — St. Matt. 10:38.
TWELFTH DAY.
There is no sign more certain that one is of the number of the elect than, while leading a Christian life, to be the subject of sufferings, desolations, and trials. — St. Louis Gonzaga.
A certain merchant begged St. Teresa to recommend him to God. She did so; and having occasion to speak to him some time afterwards, she said: “I have prayed for you, and it has been revealed to me that your name is written in the book of life. As a proof of this I give you notice that, from this time henceforth, nothing will prosper with you in this world.” And this was verified. But a short time intervened, when all the vessels he had upon the sea perished. His friends assisted him, and came to his rescue with another vessel to try his fortune again: this likewise was lost. Finding himself in poverty, he became content to possess but God. He finished his life in sanctity.
Prayer.
Labors, sufferings, desolations, opprobrium, this is my lot. I accept, O my God, this chalice of bitterness because I have sinned, and would be crowned in heaven. O my Saviour, grant that I may suffer with Thee, like Thee, and for Thee.