PATIENCE
from the book “Divine Intimacy” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen
VIRTUE OF THE YEAR, PATIENCE. Each week Mrs. Carroll will share an excerpt from the chapter on patience from the profound spiritual book, “Divine Intimacy,” by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene, O.C.D. (Order of Discalced Carmelites). This first excerpt is the definition of patience. Future episodes will explain how we can practice this virtue and its role in our spiritual lives.
First Excerpt
“Patience is the virtue which makes us accept for love of God, generously and peacefully, everything that is displeasing to our nature, without allowing ourselves to be depressed by the sadness which easily comes over us when we meet with disagreeable things.”
How many disagreeable things will we meet with this week? Can we accept them cheerfully, without letting them disturb our peace?
Second Excerpt
Patience is a special aspect of the virtue of fortitude which prevents our deviating from the right road when we encounter obstacles. It is an illusion to believe in a life without difficulties.
These are usually all the greater and the more frequent as our undertakings are more generous. Great works, magnanimous and heroic virtues, always grow in the midst of difficulties.
Difficulties, even great crosses are a blessing. See Keith Hetrick’s book, described below.
HE LIVES: FINDING PEACE IN SUFFERING by Keith Hetrick (’08). Seton alumnus Keith Hetrick has written a beautiful, profound, and inspiring book describing his twenty-year plus battle against cancer and other serious health issues. But the book is far more than a medical story. Keith has written the far more important spiritual story of how he came to understand the true meaning and purpose of suffering. If you or someone you love is wrestling with the question of how we can possibly find God in anguish and pain, this book is for you. In fact, it is for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of how God’s love and providence are present in any kind of trial and for anyone who wants to cultivate a deeper gratitude for all God’s gifts. You can learn more of Keith’s story and order his book at www.keithhetrick.co.