3 hours ago
Chapter XXXVI. Of Three Benefits Derived from the Most Holy Tribulation
From this most holy tribulation proceed three things unknown unto us.
Firstly, it converteth us unto God; and, being converted, it draweth us more nigh unto Him.
Secondly, it maketh us to grow; just as good earth, well prepared, putteth forth shoots and beareth fruit when the rain falleth upon it, so doth the soul grow in virtue when tribulation cometh upon it.
Thirdly, it giveth peace, comfort, rest, and calm.
This most holy tribulation is exceeding profitable for us; wherefore let us not avoid it nor hold it in horror. For of a certainty and with all mine heart say I unto you, that our noblest advocates and truest witnesses, those who will be most readily believed in the presence of God, are precisely these holy and precious tribulations, whose worth we know not; for with them do we purchase the kingdom of heaven, and the joys of eternity are obtained through poverty, tears, suffering, and persecution.
And I do firmly believe that nothing doth so help towards the leading of a good life as do these tribulations; wherefore do I feel an holy envy of all who are troubled. It is certain, oh my sons, that if the worth and profit of tribulation were known, there would be great strife and thieving of trouble, and each would forcibly take away from the other the causes of tribulation, which proceeding would greatly grieve Him who is the light of tribulation. May His true consolation comfort us neath the burden of tribulation, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
From this most holy tribulation proceed three things unknown unto us.
Firstly, it converteth us unto God; and, being converted, it draweth us more nigh unto Him.
Secondly, it maketh us to grow; just as good earth, well prepared, putteth forth shoots and beareth fruit when the rain falleth upon it, so doth the soul grow in virtue when tribulation cometh upon it.
Thirdly, it giveth peace, comfort, rest, and calm.
This most holy tribulation is exceeding profitable for us; wherefore let us not avoid it nor hold it in horror. For of a certainty and with all mine heart say I unto you, that our noblest advocates and truest witnesses, those who will be most readily believed in the presence of God, are precisely these holy and precious tribulations, whose worth we know not; for with them do we purchase the kingdom of heaven, and the joys of eternity are obtained through poverty, tears, suffering, and persecution.
And I do firmly believe that nothing doth so help towards the leading of a good life as do these tribulations; wherefore do I feel an holy envy of all who are troubled. It is certain, oh my sons, that if the worth and profit of tribulation were known, there would be great strife and thieving of trouble, and each would forcibly take away from the other the causes of tribulation, which proceeding would greatly grieve Him who is the light of tribulation. May His true consolation comfort us neath the burden of tribulation, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
"So let us be confident, let us not be unprepared, let us not be outflanked, let us be wise, vigilant, fighting against those who are trying to tear the faith out of our souls and morality out of our hearts, so that we may remain Catholics, remain united to the Blessed Virgin Mary, remain united to the Roman Catholic Church, remain faithful children of the Church."- Abp. Lefebvre