Our Lord is never so near to us
as when we suffer something for his love.

 
St. Francis de Sales, 17th century

Never let the thought of Christ leave your mind,
but meditate on the mysteries of the Cross
and the anguish of his mother
as she stood beneath the cross.

 
St. Clare of Assisi, 13th century

To encourage us in suffering, St. Paul adds
that all our sufferings are small
in comparison with the wonderful reward
that will be revealed in us;
our labors do not deserve the blessings
that are to come.

 
St. Ambrose, 4th century

Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ
just as travelers lean on a staff
when they begin a long journey.

 
St. Anthony of Padua, 12th century

Christians must have the Passion of Christ
deeply imbedded in their minds and hearts
because only from it can they derive peace,
grace, and truth.

 
St. Anthony of Padua, 12th century

God has a supreme desire to make us sharers
of his goods and of his happiness.
If then, God sends us suffering in this life,
it is for our own good.

 
St. Alphonsus Liguori, 18th century

At bottom, all our sufferings derive
from the fact that we want joy and possessions
that are altogether too narrow and fleeting
for the greatness of our hearts.

 
'They Speak by Silences', anonymous Carthusian

The combat of trials, distress, and temptations
deadens the evil and imperfect habits of the soul
and purifies and strengthens it.

 
St. John of the Cross, 16th century