Perseverance in Suffering

For the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must persevere until death, to live lovingly the perfect observance of being nailed to the mystical cross and the life in the Congregation, though humble, poor, difficult and demanding. (OOCC, III, p. 81)

Since St. Vincent Pallotti saw the hand of God behind every painful event and negative experience, he was always courageous in facing even the most difficult situation. He was never disappointed, discouraged or tempted to give up his plans because of hardships, difficulties, or opposition from others. He admonished his followers to appreciate, desire and live a life of suffering. He warned them against getting tired of painful situations and running away from them. For St. Vincent, the reason for perseverance in a situation of suffering was his love for the Lord Jesus. Perseverance in suffering must be lived in a special way in the context of one’s commitment to God. Hence, St. Vincent wanted to persevere until death in living a life of perfect observance of the demands of his life in the congregation, which implies being nailed to the cross in a mystical sense. For it implies accepting a life that is humble, poor, difficult and demanding. In living out all these aspects of religious living, a person must look up to Jesus who persevered till the end, and must continue to persevere despite the sufferings that might assail the person.

Do I persevere in the sufferings that come into my life? Am I discouraged or disappointed when I continue to face a painful situation? Do I give up or run away from suffering? Am I ready to persevere in living my state of life, despite the sufferings involved? Does the example of Jesus inspire me to persevere?

Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer … Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2: 10)