Again, on sorrows and patience (Saint Dimitri of Rostov)

Patience in trials is a sure way of uniting ourselves to God.

Complaining separates us from God, so patience forges our union with Him. So if you suffer all your trials with patience and gratitude, for His sake, He will reward you with eternal bliss.

Through sorrows and patience, you enter the realm of real knowledge and are cleansed of the multitude of your sins. ‘I waited patiently for the Lord and He attended me and hearkened’ (Ps 39, 1).

The Lord accepts intrepid patience as a pleasing sacrifice, though He turns His face from timidity. People who are patient follow faithfully in His steps, but the weak and the timid distance themselves from Him. ‘After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him’ (Jn. 6, 66).

» Saint Dimitry of Rostov