A MEDITATION BY SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS

I read this in my Magnificat Wednesday morning and found it very powerful!  We all have had or have people in our lives that can be less than pleasant or rub us the wrong way.  St. Therese of Lisieux had a few of these people in her life.  She accepted these people and knew God was using them for her holiness.  I hope you enjoy this like I did.

“The truth of God’s love was shown on the cross of his beloved son, Jesus.

And the way to grow in our relationship with God in times of physical or mental stress is to strengthen ourselves by doing the things that God desires.

It is a sign of great holiness when one is resigned in everything to the will of God. Everything that God wills is for our good.

He knows how to console us when we least expect it. If anyone hurts you, look on him as someone of great value and, with the eyes of one who loves, see him as the person chosen by God to clothe you in holiness and in the patience, silence, and meekness of Jesus Christ.

If you can learn to see God’s will as a source of strength, taking every difficulty you go through as something which comes not just from circumstances but from the loving hand of God your creator, you will soon be speeding along the short road to holiness.

The troubles we have in life, if we see them as part of God’s loving plan and accept them as being what he wants for us, will actually help us to grow in knowledge and love of him.

Even when things are at their worst, keep your peace of heart and accept whatever God sends you as being of your good.

God is your guide, your father, your teacher, your husband.

In everything that happens the best thing you can do is abandon yourself to his will.”

Saint Paul Of The Cross (1775) was an Italian priest, mystic, and the founder of the Passionists.