The keeping in mind the life of Jesus, and His passion and death, will, with God's gracious help, tend greatly to cherish in us a spirit of patience in the endurance of trials. The number is indeed past numbering of those who, keeping before them the Crucified, have been sustained in pain ;ind comforted in bereavements; and who after disturbance of spirit through human infirmity, have been brought back to peace, and trustful love, and calm perseverance in a devout and holy life. It is not the mere contemplation of a crucifix, without the bringing home to our hearts and minds the calm and holy will of Christ, His joy in God, His endurance of sorrow past our comprehension, and life and death agony extreme that will benefit us. We must keep in remembrance how He said: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. Let us endeavour through the day to hear His warning voice of tender love, as saying to us, amid all our trials: In your patience you shall possess your souls. He is coming again to gather all His faithful ones to His and their heavenly home. Be patient, and strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand, Saint James tells us, and the comfort and encouragement of this hope have application to all the trials of a tried Christian life. Here is the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp