The Voice of Christ
The Catholic Online Magazine
Suffering and the Cross
Christ made me understand that I could save souls through the cross. The greater the crosses I encountered, the more ardent became my desire to endure them.
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus
God has made human beings so noble that every suffering which purifies us and every effort which raises us up gladdens us while making us better.
St. Augustine
Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.
St. Augustine
When you are scorned by others and lashed by God, do not despair. God lashes us in this life to shield us from the eternal lash in the next.
St. Peter Damian
The desire to receive God's treasures and favors is universal. But how few people aspire to wear themselves out and to suffer for the Son of God!
St. John of the Cross
If we suffer with Christ, we will be glorified with Him. The fulfillment of the promised happiness is certain for those who share in the Lord's Passion.
St. Leo the Great
Let us strive to face suffering with Christian courage. Then all difficulties will vanish and pain itself will become transformed into joy.
St. Theresa of Avila
Such is the nature of faith that the greater are the obstacles it encounters, the more ardent it becomes.
St. Charles Borromeo
Do not allow yourselves to be overly saddened by the unfortunate accidents of this world. You are not aware of the benefits they bring and by what secret judgment of God they are arranged for the eternal joy of the Elect.
St. John of the Cross
The smallest of life's events are directed by the Lord. Creatures are instruments, but it is the hand of Jesus that directs all.
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus
The Eucharist may be termed a perpetual Calvary. Without it how many times God's wrath would have erupted on our heads!
St. Peter Eymard
Suffering out of love for God is a signal favor, but we do not realize this. For we thank God for prosperity and take no heed that afflictions would be a much greater grace.
St. Joseph of Cupertino
The cross is the greatest gift God could bestow on His Elect on earth. There is nothing so necessary, so beneficial, so sweet, or so glorious as to suffer something for Jesus. If you suffer as you ought, the cross will become a precious yoke that Jesus will carry with you.
St. Louis de Montfort
Suffering is like a kiss that Jesus hanging from the cross bestows on persons whom He loves in a special way. Because of this love He wants to associate them in the work of the redemption.
St. Bonaventure
Let us lose nothing of what God bestows on us. Difficulties and sufferings will disappear, but the merit we acquire through our fidelity will remain forever. Let us therefore build our eternity through all the things that pass away.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal
To suffer and not to suffer for God is torment.
St. Gerard Majella
During mental prayer it is well, at times, to imagine that many insults and injuries are being heaped upon us, that misfortunes have befallen us, and then strive to train our heart to forgive and bear these things patiently, in imitation of our Savior. This is the way to acquire a strong spirit.
St. Philip Neri
Remember how the crown was attained by those whose sufferings gave new radiance to their faith. The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without genuine effort no one wins the crown.
St. Thomas Becket
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