+JMJ
"Among these devout people, those who suffer afflictions are not much over-concerned about their sufferings and never lose courage."
(St. Francis deSales, Introduction to the Devout Life, Part I, no.18)
Due to the facility and immediacy that modern advances have afforded mankind, true drudgery has all but vanished and suffering- a reality that civilization historically was forced to accept- is easily avoided. Yet, with the ease of comfort comes the frustration of inconvenience; behind the banishment of ills, lurks a paralysis induced by the cross.
Because past generations were inured to adversity from an early age, their shoulders were gradually strengthened to bear the burdens that inevitably appeared, but their hearts were also opened to the hope that their sacrifices could be united to the salvific act of Christ's Cross. Certainly many were hardened by enduring misfortunes, but others were buoyed by the knowledge that their suffering was temporary and their reward eternal.
Though the advent of modern convenience and medicine brought a welcome exponential growth in the quality of life, it also brought a new ignorance to the experience of suffering. Sorrows were now rare but so too was the capability to endure them. Therefore, when inescapable afflictions came, perseverance was found wanting in most: fear replaced fortitude and repulsion replaced resignation. When disdain for trials has been ingrained since youth, it is very difficult, indeed, to expect anything but cowardice when confronted with the cross.
Yet fear of the cross comes from him, who despises it more than anyone. In the legend of St. Christopher, the devil trembles and recoils from the mere sight of the cross, revealing to St. Christopher its awesome power. Though a noble soul rarely knows the reasons for a present trial, he does understand that even if the only purpose is for his sanctification, that is reason enough to endure hardship. One may understandably beg for relief - for even the saints did that- but also prays for the grace to accept the cross he must carry. Even in their pain, these generous souls offer to God their gratitude that He has given them to means to obtain graces, the strength to bear their burden, and the instrument to grow closer to Him, whom they desire so much.
