prevent them from falling into despair. Let us not abandon the
ideal of an unfeeling hero, untouched by adversity or joy, was but a shadow of true patience, an unattainable concept for humanity. Likewise, we encounter in our midst a new breed of Stoics among Christians who deem it sinful not only to groan and weep, but even to experience sadness and anxiety. Such paradoxical notions are often espoused by idle philosophers who dwell in speculation rather than action, and their teachings do not serve us well. We must distance ourselves from that rigid and cold philosophy. Our Lord and Master Himself condemned it not only in words, but also through His own example. He grieved and shed tears for the sorrows of Himself and others. His teachings to His disciples were not contrary to this either, for He said, "Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice" (John 16:20). And lest anyone should consider mourning as a vice, He expressly declared, "Blessed are they that mourn" (Matthew 5:4). It is no wonder, then, that if all tears were to be condemned, we must question the tears shed by our Lord Himself, whose sweat fell like drops of blood to the ground (Luke 22:44; Matthew 26:38). If every form of fear were a sign of unbelief, what shall we make of the dread that overwhelmed Him? And if all sadness were deemed sinful, how could we justify His confession, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death" (Matthew 26:38)? Let us therefore embrace the full range of human emotions, understanding that our Lord experienced them as well, and let us find solace in His understanding and compassion.
10. I wanted to share these thoughts to encourage pious hearts and prevent them from falling into despair. Let us not abandon the pursuit of patience simply because it seems impossible to rid ourselves of natural grief. We must avoid turning patience into a state of numbness or transforming a courageous and steadfast person into an unfeeling block. Scripture commends the endurance of saints when, despite the hardships they face, they are not crushed; when bitterness fills their hearts, yet spiritual joy fills their souls; when anxiety weighs them down, yet they are uplifted by the consolation of God. However, there remains a certain resistance within their hearts because human nature instinctively recoils from
and dreads what is adverse to it. Nevertheless, the devout soul seeks to obey the divine will even in the face of these difficulties. Our Lord alluded to this resistance when He spoke to Peter, saying, "When you were young, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go" (John 21:18). While it is unlikely that Peter was forced into martyrdom against his will, for that would have diminished the honor of his sacrifice, it is evident that he experienced a duality of wills. When he contemplated the brutal death he was to face, he felt horror and a desire to avoid it. Yet, when he considered that it was God who called him to this sacrifice, his fear was subdued and he embraced his fate with courage. Therefore, if we truly desire to be disciples of Christ, we must strive to cultivate deep reverence and obedience towards God, taming and subduing any affections that contradict His sovereign will. In doing so, regardless of the type of cross we bear, we will maintain unwavering patience even in the most trying circumstances. Adversity will still carry its bitterness and sting us deeply. In times of illness, we may groan and feel restless, longing for health. When poverty weighs upon us, anxiety and sadness may pierce our hearts. The pain of ignominy, contempt, and injury may wound us, and the tears of grief may flow when we lose loved ones. Yet, through it all, our conviction will remain: The Lord has ordained it, and so we shall follow His will. Even in the midst of anguish, amid our sighs and tears, this thought will naturally arise within us and inspire us to endure cheerfully for the sake of that which afflicts us.
11.But the primary reason for embracing the cross is rooted in the divine will, and we must elucidate the distinction between philosophical and Christian patience in a concise manner. Indeed, only a handful of philosophers ventured to comprehend that affliction is a means by which the hand of God tests us, and that we ought to obediently submit to God in this regard. Their only rationale is that it must be so. But is this not akin to acknowledging that we must yield to God simply because it is futile to contend against Him? For if our obedience to God is contingent upon necessity, and we
would abandon it as soon as we can escape its demands, then it lacks sincerity. However, the considerations Scripture prompts us to reflect upon concerning the will of God are vastly different. It directs our attention to justice, equity, and our own salvation. Therefore, Christian exhortations to patience are grounded in these principles. Whether poverty, exile, imprisonment, contempt, disease, bereavement, or any other evil befalls us, we must recognize that none of these circumstances occur apart from the will and providence of God, and that everything He does is executed with perfect order. Moreover, do not our countless daily transgressions deserve to be chastised more severely and with a heavier rod than His mercy employs? Is it not right that our flesh be subdued and brought under the yoke, so that it may no longer rage and indulge itself wantonly? Are not the justice and truth of God worthy of our endurance for their sake? Therefore, if equity is unquestionably displayed in affliction, we cannot murmur or struggle against it without committing iniquity. We no longer hear the cold exhortation, "Yield because it is necessary," but rather a living and dynamic commandment, "Obey because it is unlawful to resist; bear patiently, for impatience is rebellion against the justice of God." Furthermore, as we are naturally drawn to that which we perceive as conducive to our own safety and benefit, our heavenly Father comforts us by assuring us that even in the very cross with which He afflicts us, He provides for our salvation. If it is evident that tribulations are salutary for us, why should we not receive them with tranquil and grateful hearts? By enduring them patiently, we are not succumbing to necessity, but rather contenting ourselves with our own good. Consequently, these reflections expand our contracted minds, which are naturally embittered by the weight of the cross, and fill them with spiritual joy. From this springs forth the offering of thanksgiving, which can only arise from a heart that is cheerful and gladdened. As nothing ought to hinder these sentiments within us, it becomes evident how imperative it is to temper the bitterness of the cross with spiritual joy.