Apr 24 Mon
Interior difficulties should not discourage us. Serenity: This should be our attitude in the face of adversity. Our everyday difficulties, the little pinpricks which our Lord allows, become a pledge of glory, steps along the way to Life, when they are offered up for love of God.

“Don't complain if you suffer. Only a priced stone is polished.
Does it hurt? Allow yourself to be cut, gratefully, because God has taken you in his hands as if you were a diamond. An ordinary pebble is not worked on like that.
No ideal becomes a reality without sacrifice.” St Josemaría.

Even in purely human affairs, nothing worthwhile is ever accomplished easily. What major project is achieved without effort? The root of effectiveness is a capacity for conscious, silent sacrifice.

People who set themselves high goals often must suffer to achieve them, even though they would rather avoid such suffering. But for a Christian whose goal is the love of Christ, leading to eternal happiness, suffering should act as a stimulus.

It is necessary to fight the blindness of the soul and heart in order to illuminate our lives with the light of God's grace and love. We are instruments of Christ's love. "I have come to bring fire into the world". The fire of charity, justice, and peace.

Besides, how fortunate are we, Christians, having a Mother who teaches us practically what it is to accept God's plan without reticence or limitations, what it is to love.