Last week, we started a series on the virtue of patience inspired by Richard F. Clarke S.J. meditation booklet. Our patience is tried in different daily situations that place hindrances in the way of our actions, for instance, by being kept waiting in a queue or an unfulfilled promise, having to repeat over and over again as teachers often have to do, by wayward and perverse nature of the young or teenager; when we are interrupted when we have something to say; and by a ten of other similar incidents which occur continually. 

Our patience is also tested when we are misunderstood or misrepresented by others. It is usually difficult to speak kindly of such people. All or some of these questions whether we possess the virtue of patience. How do we stand the test in each of these instances?

Our natural inclination is to avoid such people or to show our dislike to them, or to show them what we think of them or to give them a return for the blows or, in popular parlance, ‘fire for fire’; yet patience requires not to take offence or complain; patience checks the angry word and quenches the fire of discontent at how we have been treated or addressed. This seems like a tall order, but it is what patience bids us.

Patience is a virtue which receives in Holy Scripture, and especially in the writings of St Paul, praise almost without end. 'He that is patient, says the Wise Man, 'is governed with much wisdom. (Prov. 14: 29.) 'Patience has a perfect work, says St. James (1: 4). 'Patience is necessary to you, says St Paul, 'that doing the will of God you may receive the promise. (Hebrews 10: 36.) 

Think over these passages one by one, and question yourself whether you fulfil this necessary condition of eternal salvation. I am pondering over it as well.

Isn’t the value of patience now worth cultivating? Let us pray.

Blessed Mary, Mother of Consolation, pray with me for the virtue of patience. There are so many times when my lack of patience keeps me from becoming the kind of person God wants me to be. Guide my thoughts to you and the example we have in your own life. Help me to become patient, as you were patient. Through your guidance, may I become more accepting of others around me. Assist me to welcome difficult times with a patient heart. May I be patient, Mary, as was your beloved husband, Joseph.

Pray for me, dear Mother of God, that I will allow the Father to come into my heart and help me grow in patience. Amen.