God does not require of us such cheerfulness as to remove all bitterness of pain. Otherwise the patience of the saints would not in the cross unless they were tormented by pain, felt agony, when someone caused them trouble. Likewise, if poverty were not harsh and bitter for them, if they did not endure some torment in the disease, if disgrace did not stab them, if dread did not hang over them, what fortitude or moderation would there be in scorning all these things?
But since each of these has bitterness attached that by nature stabs all our hearts, therein is proved the fortitude of a faithful man, if tried by a feeling of such harshness, yet valiantly resisting he strives constantly to resist, surmount and rise above them. In this patience is shown if, pricked by this same feeling, he is at all times restrained by fear of God, as by a bridle, which will not let him break forth in any intemperate act.
In this appears his joy and cheerfulness, if being struck by sadness and sorrow, he nonetheless gives himself to God’s spiritual consolation. The combat that the faithful, following patience and moderation, wage against the natural feeling of sorrow is well described by St. Paul: “Tribulation we endure in all things, but are not in distress. Poverty we endure, but are not left destitute. Persecution we endure, but are not deserted. Cast down we are, but perish not.”
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