As we embark on the third week of our series on patience inspired by Richard Clarke’s booklet on patience, I am humbled by the lessons I am learning on my own journey to patience. Yet, I am not alone in this. 

Each of you plays a crucial role in this journey, and I am inspired by how patience speaks to and guides us all. What does God think of patience? “Our Blessed Lord has Himself a special benediction for patience. 'In your patience, He says, 'you shall possess your souls. (St Luke 2: 19.) That is, by patience, we shall save our souls. 

What higher praise could our Lord bestow upon patience than this? If it is to be the instrument of salvation, it is an inestimable treasure. Instead of dreading it, we should court it and welcome every occasion for its exercise. 

Every act of patience brings us nearer to Heaven, and the test of our fitness for the Kingdom of God is, have we learned to suffer with perfect patience?” 

And in the Scriptures, especially in the writings of St. Paul, patience is eulogised. 'He that is patient, says the Wise Man, 'is governed with much wisdom. (Prov. 14: 29.) 'Patience has a perfect work, says St James (Ch. 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 individually and question whether you fulfil this necessary condition of eternal salvation. Patience is undoubtedly worth cultivating. 

Conversely, when we wilfully indulge in impatience, we could be indirectly rebelling against God because it is a refusal to bear the trials He has laid upon us. How can we cultivate the act of patience, you may be wondering? To this, I call us to look to characters in the Bible who exemplify patience. 

Their stories are not just tales but living examples that inspire us to cultivate patience. For instance, Job, Our Lady, Jesus Christ, the patience of the Saints, Martyrs, Angels, Holy souls and the fruits of patience – Peace, Hope and Joy as some kind of incentive. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, we might explore the lives of each of these Holy people. 

Patience is a virtue of the Lord: He awaits the return of His children. Forgive my trespasses Oh Lord Jesus. For many times have I tested You. I deserved the wrath of Your hand, But You saw greater things for me: Your patience has been enormous! Grant me a droplet of such endurance, That I may abolish my impious impatience, Refraining from using unpleasant words, And always reflecting Your serenity. Great is the Lord Jesus in His ways!