Patience, like all virtues, cannot be gained simply by wanting it, seeking it, or praying for it in a half-hearted manner. It requires sincere desire, diligent effort, and fervent prayer. As St. James says, “If anyone needs wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all, and it shall be given to him; but let him ask in faith, without doubting” (James 1:5-6). However, how can we truly desire, seek, or pray for something we don’t value? Therefore, the first step in acquiring patience is to understand its worth and the immense blessings it brings to the soul that possesses it. This understanding comes through reflection and meditation on the many benefits patience offers, both in this life and the next: victory over our enemies, peace of soul, true freedom, mastery over our passions, and many other graces. In the life to come, patience leads to the rewards promised to those who overcome, as described in Revelation 2 and 3: “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7), and “To the one who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it. I will write on them the name of my God” (Revelation 3:12), and “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21).
To develop patience, it helps to reflect on three points during times of suffering or hardship. First, consider what we deserve because of our sins, and how small our current sufferings are compared to what we actually deserve. Second, meditate on the sufferings the Son of God endured for our sins out of love for us, and the patience with which He bore them. Third, reflect on the holy will of God, who sends us these trials for our greater good, knowing what is best for us and arranging everything for our ultimate benefit if we trust in Him. How foolish it is to resist His mighty hand! How sinful it is to not submit to the will of one who is infinitely wise and good! These three points provide a rich source of meditation and strong reasons to be patient in all sufferings.
We should also consider the many evils that arise from impatience. It leads to a host of sins against God, our neighbours, and ourselves. Impatience causes complaints and rebellion against God, uncharitable judgments, ongoing conflicts, desires for revenge, and even a wish for death, despite being unprepared for it. Impatience leads to unease with ourselves, despair, and a reluctance to work for our own salvation. These are the bitter fruits of impatience, and what could be worse? Faith is dulled, hope is forgotten, love for God and neighbour is lost, prayer is neglected, and care for the soul is abandoned. Meanwhile, our sufferings only grow worse, as impatience intensifies them. We lose the benefit of our sufferings and forfeit the comfort God offers to those who bear their trials patiently. Our impatience makes our suffering resemble that of the damned, who suffer without merit, without comfort, and in futile resistance to the will of God.
Resolve to pray and work earnestly for the virtue of patience. It will make all your sufferings light and bring you eternal reward. Whenever you face any hardship, accept it as coming from the hand of God, offer it to Jesus Christ crucified, unite it with His sufferings, and ask that it be sanctified through Him and accepted by the Father for His glory and for the remission of your sins. You will find true happiness if you make this your practice in all your sufferings.
Meditations by St. Richard of Sussex (Bp. Richard Challoner; meditations in modern English)
