Patience: April 30
(same as April 29)
When we are made to suffer some pains, troubles or ill-treatment, let us turn our thoughts to the sufferings of our Savior. Immediately our own trials will become light and bearable, for no matter how bitter they may be, they will seem flowers in comparison to Christ's thorns.
Bedridden, a good woman was suffering intensely. A member of the family handed her a crucifix, telling her to pray to Jesus to free her from so much pain. "But," she answered, "how can I ask to come down from the cross while I hold the crucifix in my hands? God forbid that I do such a thing."
While St. Teresa was undergoing tremendous trials, Jesus appeared to her covered with gaping wounds, and said: "Look, my daughter, and consider the bitterness of my torments. Can yours be compared to Mine?" At this the saint was so moved, that she seemed no longer to feel any pain. After she used to say: "In view of all the sufferings Our Lord underwent, I don't know what I am thinking of when I complain about mine."
St. Lidwina suffered every type of illness continually for thirty-eight years; yet she was ever jovial and happy by keeping before her eyes the sufferings of Jesus.
