Patience from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a look at the virtue of patience associated with The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery – The Carrying of the Cross.

Patience is having quiet, steady perseverance in the face of adversity or trial.   It is remaining calm, composed, and self-controlled in trying circumstances.   It is bearing pain, misfortune or delays with courage and strength.  “For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 10:36) 

When undergoing temptation, trials, and difficulties we sometimes wonder if God is with us, if He is there to help us.  We can lose sight of the reality that He cares for us, is ever-present, and desires for us to be whole, peace-filled, loving children. “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.” (Psalm 46:1 NAB)  When faced with our daily struggles it is hard to be patient.  It is easy to become frustrated and impatient when things are not turning out our way, in our time.  But, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

Minor irritations, little annoyances, and setbacks are all a part of life.  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.” (Psalm 34:19)  In light of eternity these irritations, annoyances and setbacks are insignificant.  Remember, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10) 

God, our Father, will give us the ability to be kind, thoughtful, compassionate, generous, and loving no matter what difficulties we face.  For He calls us to be as patient with others as He has been with us, to bear with one another and forgive each other as He has forgiven us.  “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

In adversity it is easy to become angry, frustrated, anxious, bitter, unkind, agitated, intolerant and/or unforgiving.  To be patient and accept what is happening in our lives, whether we like it or not, is far more difficult.  We lose sight of the opportunity to join our suffering to Jesus’ suffering for our sanctification and that of others.  It’s not that we are to go looking for opportunities to suffer, but when they arise we are called to embrace them lovingly.  “But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13)