The Spirits’ Teachings

To Suffer Well or Badly

18. When Christ said, “Blessed are the afflicted, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he was not referring to those who suffer in general, since everyone on the earth suffers, whether upon the throne or upon straw. But alas! Few suffer well. Few understand that only trials that are borne well can lead them to the Kingdom of God. Discouragement is a fault. God refuses you consolation because you lack courage. Prayer is a support for the soul, but it is not enough. It must be based on a living faith in God’s goodness. You have often been told that God does not put heavy burdens on weak shoulders. The burden is proportional  to the strength, just as the reward will be proportional to the resignation and courage. The reward will be greater than the affliction is painful. However, one must merit that reward, and that is why life is full of tribulations.

The soldier who is not sent to the front is discontent, because the repose of the barracks does not bring him a promotion. So then, be like the soldier and do not desire a repose in which your body would weaken and your soul would become numb. Be content when God sends you into battle. This battle is not one of gunfire but the bitterness of life, where sometimes more courage is needed than in bloody combat, since those who remain firm before the enemy might weaken under the duress of mental pain. Humans are not rewarded for this kind of courage, but God reserves victory laurels and a glorious place for them. When a reason for trouble or vexation touches you, try to lift yourselves above it, and when you have managed to control the impulses of impatience, anger or despair, say to yourselves with just satisfaction, “I was the stronger.” “Blessed are the afflicted” may be translated thusly: blessed

are those who have the opportunity to test their faith, firmness, perseverance and submission to God’s will, for they will receive a hundred times the joy they lacked on earth; and after labor will come repose.

Lacordaire (Havre, 1863)