Suffering

Christians must imitate Christ’s sufferings, not set their hearts on pleasures.

What sort of shepherds are they who fear of giving offense not only to fail to prepare the sheep for the temptations that threaten, but even promise them worldly happiness? God himself made no such promise to this world. On the contrary, God foretold hardship upon hardship in this world until the end of time. And you want the Christian to be exempt from these troubles? Precisely because he is a Christian, he is destined to suffer more in this world.

He chastises every son whom he acknowledges.
From a sermon On Pastors, by Saint Augustine, bishop


Jesus found the value of his life when he gave it for others. That too is the real value of your life: when you choose to give it.

Do you think God put you on this earth for YOUR happiness HERE? He could have created you in heaven, not on earth! He put you here for what you can do for others, not yourself. He’ll take care of you. He put you here to be his instrument to take care of others.

It should be an honor that he trusts you so much.