Comfort for the Weary

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This Lent seems to bring suffering to many in my inner circle. Most of which is, in addition to the daily trials we experience, unexpected bursts of suffering. Funny (well, not really) how that happens during Lent. I believe that Satan tries us more, as he did Our Lord, during Lent. Fortunately, those with faith in Our Heavenly Father can use their trials to grow closer to Him.

Last evening, after a particularly tiring and trying day, Aunt Karen sent me this in an email. It never ceases to amaze me how we can find all the comfort we need in sacred scripture.



+ The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother +

"We have always seen that those who were closest to Christ our Lord were those with the greatest trials. Let us look at what His glorious Mother suffered."
--St. Teresa of Avila

"My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honored at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not turn aside in case you fall. You who fear the Lord, trust him, and you will not be balked of your reward. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting happiness and mercy. Look at the generations of old and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who ever feared him steadfastly and was left forsaken? Or who ever called out to him, and was ignored? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful, he forgives sins, and saves in days of distress."
--Sirach 2: 1-11

Mary, like you, may we cling to Him and never leave Him. Help us to trust unreservedly in His compassion and mercy and to hope for good things.


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