Thought for the Day – 10 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
PATIENCE
Meditations for a Month
The First Fruit of Patience: – Peace
- We all long after peace; we are anxious, not for inactivity, nor indeed that we should have nothing against which to fight but, for the absence of that conflict within us which is the source of all our misery. It is the struggle, in our own hearts, between two opposing forces of duty and inclination, which troubles and disturbs us. I
f this struggle is to cease, one of these two forces must be crushed. It is the process of crushing our corrupt inclinations which we dread. We have not the necessary courage, although we know that the only way to peace is to mortify our members which are upon the earth.
This is the story of my troubles, I have not conquered my lower nature and my self-will! - How is the victory to be gained and peace restored to our hearts?
It is impossible without suffering. Nothing else has the power to break our proud wills and make us put our stubborn necks beneath the yoke.
We speak of those who have suffered, as having a chastened look and it always attracts us. There is in suffering a sort of supernatural force which ought to commend it to us, or at least, to reconcile us to it. If I have to suffer, I will think of this and console myself with knowing that God will bring peace and happiness out of it. - But, it is not all suffering which has this wholesome effect but only suffering borne with patience.
If we are impatient, rebellious, unresigned – our suffering maybe an occasion of fresh trouble, rather than of peace. I must accept it from the Hand of God, if it is to bring with it that quiet tranquillity which I have never yet attained as I fight. I must bow my head and place myself in God’s Hands to suffer, as He pleases, whatever He pleases, as long as He pleases. This is the only road to solid peace!
AnaStpaul 