13 April 2021
On Patience
It
is patience that both commends us to God, and saves us for God. It is that same
patience which tempers anger, bridles the tongue, governs the mind, guards
peace, rules discipline, breaks the onslaught of lust, suppresses the violence
of pride, extinguishes the fire of dissension, restrains the power of the
wealthy, renews the endurance of the poor in bearing their lot, guards the
blessed integrity of virgins, the difficult chastity of widows, and the
indivisible love of husbands and wives. It makes men humble in prosperity,
brave in adversity, meek in the face of injuries and insults. It teaches us to
pardon our offenders quickly; if you yourself should offend, it teaches you to
ask pardon often and with perseverance. It vanquishes temptations, sustains persecutions,
endures sufferings and martyrdoms to the end. It is this patience which
strongly fortifies the foundations of our faith. It is this patience which
sublimely promotes the growth of hope. It directs our action, so that we can
keep to the way of Christ while we make progress o because of his forbearance.
It ensures our perseverance as sons of God while we imitate the patience of the
Father.
Saint
Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258)
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