Without problems, without troubles, without illnesses, without sorrows, what would man do?


Every temptation, every trouble, every attack of the devil, if we are attentive and patient, can bring us great benefit. The devil attacked Job with such fury! But what harm did he do to him in the end? Nothing. On the contrary, it brought him greater holiness and a brighter glory.

When we are vigilant, the devil cannot harm us. However, he can, without his will, be of use to us, increase our virtue. Look what happens when someone blows on a fire. At first, it seems to put it out. But in the end, not only does he not put it out, but he inflames it even more.

Without problems, without troubles, without illnesses, without sorrows, what would a man do? He would give himself up to debauchery and drunkenness, he would wallow in the mire like a pig, he would completely forget God and His commandments. But in this way, the struggles and fears, the troubles and trials keep him in a certain state of wakefulness; they become schools of philosophy for him, exercises of the soul.

Just as the goldsmith puts gold in the furnace and leaves it in the flames until it is purified, so God leaves souls in the furnace of suffering until they attain purity.

Saint John Chrysostom

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