On Humility, Patience and Endurance

'When we patiently endure our problems and turn to God for help, we notice that He gives us the best possible solution. Unfortunately, in our days, people are very impatient. We do not love patience at all. Christ assured us, however, that only the ones who are patient will inherit the Kingdom of God.' [ "... they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." Lk 8:15- "but he who endures to the end will be saved." Mt 24:13- "by your endurance will you gain your lives." Lk 21:19. ]

'Sometimes God allows for a relative or fellow worker to cause us problems in order to exercise our patience and humbleness; however, instead of being grateful for the chance God gives us, we react and refuse to be cured. It is like refusing to pay the doctor who is giving us a shot when we are ill.'

'Whatever happens to man, depends absolutely on his humbleness. For instance, we see a man striving and finally being subdued by one of his passions. God allows this to happen for only one reason: because his soul is filled with conceited thoughts and pride. Perhaps this man hates this specific passion and fights really hard ot get rid of it. He will not achieve anything, however, because God does not help him; and He will not help him unless he humbles himself. Although he hates this specific passion, he is subdued by pride, which is the passion that introduces man to all other passions. " Pride is the cause of every passion," St. John of the Ladder.'

'We, Christians ought to love afflictions and try not to get rid of them; afflictions are a necessary means leading to our perfection.'