GOD OF PATIENCE

Way to receive blessings: 

Part I

"May God the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus."

The nature of Lord is to forgive. Lord desires to give us this same nature because, Holy Bible says, "Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4)

Through His Glory, He has given us the very great and precious gifts He promised,so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world and may come to share the divine nature.
"And so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people.He keeps them for you in heaven,where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away." (1 Peter 1:4)
As a  way of  peace, forgiveness is the attribute handed down by our Lord. St.Paul exhorts us that through faith and enduring patience,by not losing our eagerness, we too shall become worthy to receive His promise like our faithful forefathers.

As asked by God, Moses went into the presence of King Pharaoh who was on the constant look out to nab his life.  As he put into practice the quality of patience, God the Father  Himself encouraged Moses and as promised helped him to deliver the people of Israel. Similarly, Lord may ask us too, to approach people who nurture maleficence for us within them. Hence, patience itself, winds its way towards Lord's grace.

Joseph of the Old Testament is an ideal example before us. Due to jealousy, his brothers sold him as a slave. Joseph who had reached Potipher's house in search of refuge, was compelled by his wife to delve into sin. But Joseph who was righteous and God fearing, did not succumb into her force and so she became furious and her false statements led her husband to misunderstand Joseph who was put into the dungeon by him. Joseph who endured everything calmly and patiently, was blessed by God. (Gen.39)

Similarly, we may  also encounter such difficulties from those related to us or our society. We may be falling prey to false accusations. Dear friends, memorizing the life of Joseph in such  moments of pain would be beneficial to us. 

Joseph said to his brothers, "You plotted evil against me,but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened." (Gen 50:20)
Yes dear ones, no matter whatever accusations and insults we may have to face, if we wait patiently then, Lord will definitely grant us upliftment. The greater the extent of endurance, the greater will be the blessings following it. 

Dear ones in Christ, is it sufficient to limit ourselves to just these examples of endurance? Certainly not! The Holy Bible says to us " Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any  of you has a complaint against some one. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you." (Col  3: 13)

Giving a thought to the forgiving love of Jesus Christ will definitely serve as a guideline towards a holy and noble life. The Gospel of St.Luke vividly  describes the behavior of Christ towards Judas who ran forward to kiss Him which was a mere sign for the soldiers to identify Jesus. Looking straight into his eyes, Jesus asked, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?" (Lk 22:48). Similarly, we may be deceived through flattery or some other evil tricks, by those who were dear to us and those to whom we rendered selfless help. In times of sorrow due to discredit, with an attitude similar to that of Christ if we wait patiently for the Lord to intervene, then Lord will surely adorn us with the crown of victory. If we patiently receive the resulting mocking and insults, then Christ our King and Mediator who is seated at the right hand side of the Throne of Glory will surely not abandon His followers. The Holy Scripture says, "This is your hour to act when the power of darkness rules." (Lk 22: 53) Hence do not allow satan to take the upper hand of us. (Eph 4:27)
Because those who thrive in hatred, jealousy and grudge are ruled over by darkness. 

Holy Bible says,"God is love." (1 John 4:16). Hence those deeds devoid of love do not come from God, instead they belong to satan who is the enemy of God. Again the Holy Bible refers "He is not a God of confusion but of harmony and peace." (1 Cor 14:33)

Needless to say, Lord is not pleased with quarrel mongers. Lord is abounding in forgiveness, hence Lord does not reside in him who does not forgive.
These proves that lack of  forgiveness snaps our relationship with God. Instead if we forgive,we shall be able to reside within His Grace.
                                                                                                                               


                                                         Conclusion Prayer:
Abba Father, the greatest forgiver, thanks for opening my mind towards your light, in my thoughts, in my deeds and in my actions.
                                                         Prayer for Repentance:
O! Lord have pity on me  and deliver me. Come to my aid. O Lord do not rebuke me in your anger nor punish me in your fury. I am completely worn out. Have mercy on me. I am completely worn out. Have mercy on me. I am aware that my sins will be punished and mistakes will not go unnoticed. O Lord, give peace to my restless soul. Merciful God,in my present situation, I need a heart yearning for repentance. Grant me the grace so that I can see the seriousness of my sinful situation. Amen.

O Jesus,give us thy Sacred Heart as a pledge of Thy love and place of refuge that we may find there a secure repose during our life and sweet comfort at the hour of our death.

              Sacred Heart of Jesus, we love you.
              Sacred Heart of Jesus, thy kingdom come.
              Jesus meek and humble of heart, 
              Make my heart unto thine. 
              Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.