Patience
“He that does not take up his cross and follow Me, is not worth of Me.” — St. Matt. 10:38.
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY.
My sister, learn to suffer something for Jesus Christ without letting others perceive it. — St. Teresa.
Father Dupont, meditating one Good Friday on the sufferings of Jesus Christ, asked of Our Lord as a great grace to make him a participator in His sufferings. His prayer was heard, and during the rest of his life he suffered frightful agonies. One day a religious of his Order asked him how he felt. He replied: “Oh! God chastises well this sinner. With the exception of the head, there is not a member of my body but has its particular pain.” Immediately repenting for having spoken in this manner, he made a vow never to speak of what he suffered, when it was possible to hide without offending God.
St. Philip Neri, who was often afflicted with many infirmities, always appeared content. He never spoke of his pains except to his physician. He was never known to show signs of suffering.
Prayer.
O my Saviour, give me a love for suffering. Grant that when I suffer I suffer for Thy love, and, to show my love for Thee, suffer in silence.