Patience is the virtue that most people find difficult to exercise. Whether it is waiting to get a cup of coffee in the morning or waiting to be the next one called in a doctor’s office, patience is something that we often lack. In a culture that runs nonstop, it is difficult to exercise patience. Yet, patience is one of the keys in growing in the spiritual life. To remain calm in the difficulties of life, to remain at ease no matter what troubles arise we must grow in patience.
St. Ignatius of Loyola reminds people that in overcoming dryness in prayer, that one is to patiently wait for the Lord to work. Waiting for the Lord to work is a difficult thing to do. In order to do so well, we often must grow in two virtues. The virtues of hope and charity develops our ability to remain steadfast in the Lord. To grow in hope, it is helpful to keep a list of all the good things that the Lord has done in our life. By keeping God’s actions before us, we can grow in a radical hope. Likewise, a similar practice helps us to grow in charity.
Charity is that virtue in which we are united to God in love. In order to grow in charity, it is helpful to surround ourselves with people who have our best intentions in mind. In surrounding ourselves with people who love us, we are more easily able to experience the love of God within our lives. When we grow in hope and charity, then we can remain calm in the difficult moments of prayer, and life. We will grow in patience and find that life is much easier to enjoy.
~Fr. Will
