Dear
brothers and sisters, I pray God may open your eyes and let you see
what hidden treasures he bestows on us in the trials from which the
world thinks only to flee. Shame turns into honor when we seek God’s
glory. Present affliction become the source of heavenly glory. To
those who suffer wounds in fighting his battles God opens his arms in
loving, tender friendship. That is why he (Christ) tells us that if
we want to join him, we shall travel the way he took. It is surely
not right that the Son of God should go his way on the path of shame
while the sons of men walk the way of worldly honor: “The disciple
is not above his teacher, nor the servant greater than his master.”
– Saint
John of Avila from a letter
Saint
John of Avila's patronage:
Andalusia, Spain; Spain; Spanish secular clergy; World Youth Day 2011
