The Resignation of Charity

"Charity endureth all things."

The test of our love for anyone is what we are willing to endure for that person. If we love only a little, we are willing to endure only a little. If we love much, we are willing to endure much. If we love that person better than we love ourselves, we are pleased to endure for his sake that which we would otherwise dread. If we love that person better than we love ourselves, we are pleased to endure for his sake that from which we would otherwise shrink. Hence, the test of our supernatural charity is what we are willing to endure for God and whether it is a pleasure for us to endure positive suffering for Him.

We would consider it a great privilege if we were called upon to lay down our lives for the Faith. However, this is a grace we poor ordinary mortals cannot expect and we must be careful against deluding ourselves by fancy pictures of the courage we should then display. The real question before us is whether we willingly suffer the little disagreeable effects of life, bodily ailments, failures in our projects, neglect or unkindness from others, or undeserved reproaches. It is no use thinking of martyrdom until we have learnt to bear these.

If I have true charity, I shall take all with joy. Everything I have endured, I would willingly endure again for God's sake. I would, with His grace, accept even more-painful things, for charity endures all things rather than offend God. Fervent charity would endure all things rather than be unfaithful to one single inspiration that comes from Him or neglect one single grace that He desires to give us. Here is the test for me. How far can I stand it?

- text from Charity, Meditations for a Month by Father Richard Frederick Clarke, SJ