Patience
“He that does not take up his cross and follow Me, is not worth of Me.” — St. Matt. 10:38.
ELEVENTH DAY.
We never have more reason to console ourselves than when we are laboring under afflictions and grievances, since it is this which make us resemble Our Saviour Jesus Christ. This resemblance is the true sign of our predestination. — St. Vincent de Paul.
St. Andrew the apostle was well convinced of this truth. The moment he beheld the cross to which he was to be attached he cried out with joy: “O cross so ardently desired, so tenderly loved, and sought after so passionately, I go to you full of joy! Separate me from men, and return me to my Master, that I may be received by Jesus Christ through the same means by which He redeemed me.”
Prayer.
O my God, how far am I from loving, desiring, and seeking the cross! Am I not well assured that the cross is Thy livery? That to resemble Thee, and to be glorified, one must carry the cross? With what cross wilt Thou charge me? Behold me, but assist me. I am weak, I am cold and feeble.