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JMJ
" There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears. Although you have never seen Him, you love Him, and without seeing you now believe in Him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory because you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation." (1 Peter 1:6-9)
How do we view our lives? Do we take a natural view which tells us to seek pleasure, comfort, security, and to avoid any pain? It is tempting to immediately deny that we take this perspective but then one recalls how little he denies himself, how much his mind is filled worldly anxieties, and how often he is disappointed and perplexed with the daily frustrations of life.
We must daily be mindful of our supernatural calling. All has been given to us with our salvation in mind. How miserable those must be who believe only this world? Suffering would be inexplicable if our true was home was not in heaven. But because it is, we must never despair of the trials, be they great or small, that God sends us. Each occasion to sacrifice, is an occasion to love; not something to be dreaded, not another thing to be burdened by. Christ was burdened by our sins, but carried the Cross with the tremendous strength of His Love. Let us carry out our sacrifices with the strength of our love.
When we find it difficult, it will be well to be mindful of what is greater worth to us: a small pleasure derived for a moment or the small sacrifice that shows our Lord how much we desire the eternal salvation of ourselves, our spouse, our children, our friends.
We must daily be mindful of our supernatural calling. All has been given to us with our salvation in mind. How miserable those must be who believe only this world? Suffering would be inexplicable if our true was home was not in heaven. But because it is, we must never despair of the trials, be they great or small, that God sends us. Each occasion to sacrifice, is an occasion to love; not something to be dreaded, not another thing to be burdened by. Christ was burdened by our sins, but carried the Cross with the tremendous strength of His Love. Let us carry out our sacrifices with the strength of our love.
When we find it difficult, it will be well to be mindful of what is greater worth to us: a small pleasure derived for a moment or the small sacrifice that shows our Lord how much we desire the eternal salvation of ourselves, our spouse, our children, our friends.
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