The Wonderful Cross

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http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj18020.htm

Here is a beautiful Catechism on Suffering by Saint John Vianney. He praises the bountiful benefits of suffering all sorts of pain in love and generosity, to share in the sufferings of our Lord on the cross. I see that he has much truth in what he says. anyone have any ideas in how we might more fully live this truth in the face of severe illness or pain?

-- Matt (slywakka250@msn.com), December 31, 2003

Answers



-- (top@top.top), January 01, 2004.

Thanks Matt for a good web site.

I find that if I first accept the cross and face God rather than turning from him, I remain more with God, who helps me to carry the cross.

Much prayer/ fasting and mass, Reading the Bible, Eucharistic adoration and the rosary help to keep me focused on Our Lord in times of trial.

I also, pray specifically for the graces/ strength I need to carry the cross.

Jesus helps us and His encouragement is always with us,

The seed has to die (death to self) and God's will must be done !

God bless you,

-- Dora W (dvw28@hotmail.com), April 30, 2004.


How to write this without sounding righteous because I am not..yet to convey the importance of using pain and suffering to glorify God is such a wonderful thing I must share. When I first became ill I didn't think I could bear it..yet after a time I realized that there was no amount of pain I could possibly have which equaled that of what Christ had suffered for me.And then the most remarkable thing happened..as I go about my day, smiling and happy, people often stop and ask me how I can always be so cheerful when it is obvious that I am in constant pain. When I tell them that it is my true happiness to take whatever I have and praise God for it, and give Him all glory and honor for the things I still CAN do and to suffer as quietly as I can for His sake,the result is that folks nearly always tell me they become more strengthened in their own faith. The thing is that it is truly easy for me to be cheerful because His love is greater than pain and more powerful than any suffering. It's so hard to put into words. sigh..it's not like you're lying around feeling masochistic or something, saying "yippee, I'm so happy I'm in agonizing pain." it's more like,OK,I'm in agonizing pain and it's not going anywhere..so do I lay around and feel sorry for myself or how do I use this to glorify God?" And then after prayer, you find yourself actually happy to serve God in THIS manner..it's truly wonderful.I hope this was somewhat clear...

-- lesley (martchas@hotmail.com), April 30, 2004.

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