Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

Most of us would prefer to avoid pain of any type - physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. But pain, suffering and tribulations are part and parcel of the human condition and an integral part of God's plan of salvation. St. Gregory reminds us that God "grants us a greater mercy when He gives us the strength to bear sufferings and tribulations than when He takes them from us". So as difficult and unwanted as suffering may be, may God grant us the grace to heed St. Pio's advice and embrace it as Jesus did His Cross:

( (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons ) Pondering Tidbits of Truth is my simple and inadequate way of providing nuggets of spiritual wisdom for you to chew on from time to time. St. Gregory "If you have no temptations then the devil is your friend, your guide, and your shepherd. If he now permits your life to flow on int peace, he will at the end of your life draw you down into the abyss."

I don't know about you, but generally, once I begin some new endeavor/activity I want to rush through the "beginner stage" and move on. At least with respect to my spiritual journey, St. Gregory has got me thinking a little differently. How about you?

We must be ever mindful of this essential Truth every time our fingers dance across our computer keyboard: