St. John of Avila

The second counsel of St. John of Avila to lead a soul in the way to salvation, is:

If you have not strength to desire sufferings, censures, vexations, or affronts, rudeness and hard work, at least endure them patiently and in silence; do not concern yourself to know from whom they come, but look upon them as sent from the hand of God.  Pray to Him for those who are the cause of these trials and beg Him to give you grace to bear them for His love, reflecting that patience in suffering is a sign of salvation. (Finding Confidence in Times of Trial: The Letters of St. John of Avila)

Salvation lies in the cross.  Christ followed the will of His Father and took up His cross, so should we.  Christ suffered death at the hands of the governing Roman authorities, rejection of the Jewish nation, betrayal of an apostle, and abandonment of His disciples.  Should we expect to be treated differently? Should we not also endure abandonment, betrayal and rejection by family, friends and country?  In these lies our cross, our crown, our glory — Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)  We are to rejoice in our suffering, enduring all in patience for Christ Jesus.