“Patience is a virtue,” it is often said. A famous person once commented, “I am praying for patience, and I want it now!” The Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues instructs us on how we can possess and cultivate such patience in our own lives, and how we can endure the trials and tribulations of life for Christ and receive our reward in Heaven. We know that the Archangel Gabriel told Mary that “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Lk 1:35). That is, Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit. And one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience, as it says in Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol; against such there is no law.” The tendency in our world today is to live a fast-paced lifestyle and seek instant gratification. The concept of working for something “down the road” is a difficult one to understand. One of the saints once said that if we bear slight things patiently, we shall acquire courage and strength to bear great things. Mary is called “most patient.” Mary rose above the din, confusion, and disorder of her time to point us toward the path of salvation. She guides us to her Son, Jesus. Think about how she felt when she and Joseph were being turned away from the inn and she had to give birth in a stable. Imagine how she made a crib from a manger and filled it with straw. She patiently endured the persecution under Herod. She patiently searched with sorrow for her 12-year-old Son, Jesus, when He was in the temple. And she patiently endured and suffered alongside Jesus during the Crucifixion. Mary put all her hardships into perspective. She suffered and patiently resigned herself to God’s will. She is “Most Patient.” Through her example, she shows us how, through patience, we may gain a greater love for Christ and for our neighbor. 5 14510016 The 10 evangelical virtues of Our Lady © 2024 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. Most Sorrowful Most Merciful Most Poor Most Pure Most Obedient Most Humble Most Prudent Most Faithful Part 8 Most Devout Most Patient Mary is called “most patient.” Mary rose above the din, confusion, and disorder of her time to point us toward the path of salvation. She guides us to her Son, Jesus. CENACLES From page 1 overflows to others.” Our suffering soul, Fred Paulmann, who currently is treated for cancer stated, “As one who is unable to attend cenacle meetings, I am blessed to experience the love and prayerful support of such a close and powerful family where the love and mercy of God is so evident.” Nancy Prezenik, a member since 2016, added, “The formation manuals which we study at each meeting have really spoken to me and guided me. They also help me put all these blessings into action. Ours is a small but a caring enthusiastic group that looks out for each other both physically and spiritually. Our recently deceased leader, Laurie, was an inspiration to us all.” I must add, we have no doubt Laurie is in Heaven. When she looked at you it was a look of agape love, and I can’t help but see the Divine Mercy Image superimposed over her face with radiant joy.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==