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JMJ
"The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'” (Lk 2:25-35)As one matures in the spiritual life, he comes to accept and understand the efficacy of the crosses allowed by God. But finality still brings relief and a definitive conclusion engenders more willing acceptance.
What becomes difficult is not necessarily the intensity of the burden but its unknown duration. Indeterminacy tempts the soul to despondency, leaving it to think of hope as a romantic notion rather than the indispensable gift from God it must cling to.
In those times when weariness of heart sinks in, when one thinks-"When will it be enough that I have suffered?" - it would do well to recall that He never asks anything of us that He did not ask of His Mother and Joseph. For it was not enough that they had to leave their home so close to the birth; not enough that Mary could not deliver in a warm room; not enough that their shivering Babe had to be laid on rough straw; not enough that they had to leave Bethlehem on a moment's notice after Joseph finally secured a house; not enough that they had to be aliens on a foreign soil.
For then again, it was not enough that Our Lord should betrayed and abandoned; not enough to be mocked and ruthlessly scourged; not enough to fall multiple times. . .couldn't He have just died there? No, only when He had suffered all His strength could endure was it enough to satisfy the infinite love Christ has for us.
God asks a great trust of those who carry the cross of slow, silent suffering. Do not grow weary, but recall the thrice repeated question of Our Lord to St. Peter:"Do you love me?" And answer with certitude and hope:"Yes, Lord, you know that I do."
"I forget the past and take good care not to anticipate the future. If we grow disheartened, if sometimes we despair, it is because we have been dwelling on the past or the future." (St. Therese)
