Part 2 Chapter 14: One Should Be Joyous in Regard

[尼古拉前执事]

Part 2 Chapter 14: One Should Be Joyous in Regard to the Cross

[Reader Benjamin]

The Martyrs bore their cross with joy.

Stavrophila: I see and am amazed at their endurance; but frankly, I have to say that is makes me ashamed. They went not only patiently, but eagerly and zealously to their suffering, as if to a feast. But I, fainthearted one, try so hard to bear at least patiently the lightest of my crosses. Let the Lord strenghthen my weakness!

Angel: Be brave! Little by little, even you will grow and reach maturity and perfect forbearance in all its forms. ...

I am sick, this is not something that happens very often. And indeed I find it hard to be joyful in being sick. It helps to know that this is my cross, that it is from the hand of God, and that it will not last for eternity. Even to a certain extent I guess I can be joyful in my sickness, but it is still something that I have much growth yet to do. Lord have mercy!