Confidence.
“Have confidence.” — St. Mark 6:50.
TWENTY-THIRD DAY.
He who does not lose courage in unexpected disasters, but has immediate recourse to God with confidence, shows that this virtue is deeply rooted in him. — Rodriguez.
St. Columba once found himself suddenly surrounded by twelve wolves, who were about to devour him. He was not frightened at this terrible sight, but invoked Our Lord with great confidence, saying, “I God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.” Hardly had he pronounced these words than God heard his prayer, and the wolves took to flight.
A soldier once raised his sword to give St. Martin a blow on the head, when, perceiving that the saint showed no sign of fear, he exclaimed: “What! You do not fear?” “Why should I fear?” replied the saint. “Death is not an evil; I look upon it as a gain. Far from fearing it, I desire it.”
St. Benedict Joseph Labre was passing along one of the streets of Rome where were gathered a number of young people of the lowest class, when these shouted after him and insulted him. He appeared not to notice it. They followed him, throwing stones at him. Still he went on. One of the stones struck him on the leg, and caused the blood to flow, but the servant of God did not turn in his course, nor make any sign that he felt the blow.
Someone asked the Abbé Theodore, a man of eminent sanctity, whether he would not fear should some terrible and unexpected commotion of nature take place. “No,” replied he; “if the entire world should crumble and the heavens unite with the earth, Theodore would not tremble.”
Prayer.
My God, grant that I may not lose courage in adversity. I will often say in that time, Lord, come to my succor, make haste to help me.