Patience
“He that does not take up his cross and follow Me, is not worth of Me.” — St. Matt. 10:38.
SEVENTEENTH DAY.
Embrace often, and with your whole heart, the crosses which Our Lord sends you, whatever they may be. The lowest are most worthy the name of cross, being least in conformity with our natural inclinations, which seek ever that which is high and noticeable. The merit of the cross does not consist in its weight, but in the manner in which we carry it. — St. Francis of Sales.
During the visits of this saint through his diocese, when he had much to endure, he was never heard to complain of the cold, the wind, the sun, his lodgings, or his food. He received all in peace from the hand of God, and was happier in proportion as he had much to suffer. When it was in his power, he always took for himself that which was worst.
A holy religious at the moment of death said to his brethren: “I am now like one who has made a great purchase, who with a few pieces of money has bought much in return. I am about to be put in possession of heaven for a little suffering here.”
Prayer.
O Jesus crucified, I understand how necessary it is for me to have crosses. I beseech Thee to give me those which are best for me. I accept from Thy fatherly hand all that Thou sendest, even the most humiliating. Teach me to carry them with courage and with love.