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TODAY’S WORD…

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For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ,

not only by believing in Him,

but also by suffering for Him.

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– Philippians 1:29 (GNT)

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REFLECTION…

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Suffering, setbacks, the fatigue of work,

difficulties in our interior struggles,

and also in our efforts to serve the Lord

– all are opportunities which God offers us

to identify even closer with Jesus by fearlessly embracing His cross.

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Christ-like suffering is part and parcel of a Christian’s life

and it is none other than a grace, a gift from God,

because it builds us up for the rest of our journey

and leads us into His comforting arms.

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QUOTE…

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“How lovingly Jesus embraces the wood which is to bring Him to death!
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Is it not true that as soon as you cease to be afraid of the Cross,

of what people call the cross,

when you set your will to accept the Will of God,

then you find happiness,

and all your worries, all your sufferings, physical or moral, pass away?
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Truly the Cross of Jesus is gentle and lovable.

There, sorrows cease to count;

there is only the joy of knowing that we are co-redeemers with Him.”

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– St. Josemaria Escriva

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord Jesus, give me the grace to transform my struggles and sufferings

into the joy of a deeper, loving relationship with You. Amen.

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