Daily Meditation: Sunday, May 2, 2010

Suffering - obliges us to develop certain qualities

05/02/2010

This is something you ought to know: no matter who you are or what you do, you will be subjected to trials. So, rather than being surprised every time, as if it were news to you, and making everybody else, the Lord included, responsible for your difficulties, you need to reflect, to meditate, and you will understand the positive aspect of your trials. Many qualities cannot be developed if you haven't gone through a certain amount of suffering, if you haven't experienced failure, illness or even the enmity of other human beings. Yes, this is why I'll say to you that often our enemies are friends in disguise, because they oblige us to strive and progress. Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' and many people find this commandment not only impossible to achieve but absurd: how can we love people who hurt us? It's impossible! But it is possible, when we discover they are friends in disguise and that providence has sent them to oblige us to make progress on the path towards mastery and freedom.