Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health Vailankanni

At the responsory: "See, the Lord our protector comes, the Holy One of Israel", Gertrude understood that if someone applies himself with all his heart to desire that his whole life be governed, in prosperity and adversity, according to the most laudable will of God, then by such thoughts, by God's grace, he would be giving as much honor to God as one would give to an emperor in placing the imperial crown on his head. (…) She saw the Lord walking along a path, pleasant to behold, with fairest flowers and verdure, but narrow and lined with dense hedges bristling with sharp thorns. She saw that he seemed to be precedes by a cross which parted the thorns and made the way wider and easier. With a serene expression on his face, turning toward those who belonged to him, he invited them to follow him, saying: "Whoever wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me…" (Mt 16:24). From this she knew that the cross of each is his own personal trial. For example, for some souls obedience is a cross when they are obliged to do what is contrary to their wishes. For others, to be burdened with infirmity, which acts as a restraint; and so on. We should all carry our crosses and apply ourselves with a good will to suffer adversity gladly, and in addition to do all that is in our power, neglecting nothing which we know to be for the greater glory of God.

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"Whoever wishes to come after me, let him take up his cross" (Mt 16: 24)

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