Reflection 43: Patience in Hardship

What is of greater value to God?  To be successful in all that you set out to do, or to endure every hardship of life in patience and peace?  Many may struggle with this question and want to choose both.  Certainly it is easy to see that if we set out to accomplish the Will of God and all that He wants of us, this will be of great value for the Kingdom of God.  But what if that which God calls us to do is to embrace patience and peace in the midst of some apparent struggle of difficulty?  Is this of great value?  Yes, it is of the greatest value because in this process of growing in patient endurance we are made truly holy (See Diary #86).

What is it that is most difficult for you each and every day?  What tries your patience more than anything?  Do you look at this trial as an “obstacle” to happiness and fulfillment in life?  If so, try to look at it from a different perspective.  Try to see any difficulty as an opportunity for virtue and, in particular, an opportunity for personal growth in patience.  Growing in that virtue delights the Heart of Christ and is of the greatest value for His Kingdom.

Lord, I surrender to You those things that are most difficult for me.  I thank You for them and believe that they are what will help me grow in holiness more than anything.  I especially offer to You (mention any personal difficulty).  Receive it Lord as my offering to You and give me the grace to transform it into love and Mercy.  Jesus, I trust in You.  

Image: Christ in front of Pilate by Mihály Munkácsy

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