tranquility and endurance, extending it to all the contingencies and
person finds solace in resting more tranquilly than those at the pinnacle of wealth or power, for they believe that the Lord orders their affairs in the manner most conducive to their salvation. We witness this mindset in David, who, as he follows God and surrenders himself to His guidance, proclaims, "I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother" (Psalm 131:1-2).
10. In every aspect of life, pious souls should display this same tranquility and endurance, extending it to all the contingencies and accidents that befall us in this present existence. True self-denial lies in surrendering ourselves entirely to the Lord, entrusting the entire course of our lives into His sovereign hands. No matter what may happen, those whose hearts are thus composed will not consider themselves wretched, nor will they grumble against God because of their circumstances. The necessity of this disposition becomes apparent when we contemplate the many misfortunes to which we are vulnerable. Various diseases assail us, at times pestilence ravages the land, and we find ourselves entangled in the calamities of war. Frost and hail destroy the promise of a bountiful harvest, leading to scarcity and poverty. Beloved ones, our dear companions on this earthly pilgrimage, are snatched away by the cruel hand of death, and our homes may be ravaged by fire. These are the events that drive some to curse their existence, loathe the day of their birth, and even blaspheme against God, accusing Him of cruelty and injustice. However, the believer must perceive, even in these trials, the mercy and paternal indulgence of God. Even if he sees his dwelling reduced to emptiness by the departure of loved ones, he will not cease to bless the Lord. His thoughts will be focused on the abiding grace of the Lord, which will not abandon his household. If his crops are blighted, mildewed, or destroyed by frost or hail, if famine looms before him, he will not succumb to despair or complain against God. Instead, he will maintain his confidence in the Lord, declaring, "We, your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever" (Psalm 79:13). He knows that even in the depths of sterility, God will
provide sustenance. When afflicted with disease, the sharpness of pain will not overpower him to the point of impatience and reproach toward God. Rather, recognizing justice and mercy in the rod of affliction, he will patiently endure. In all circumstances, aware that everything is ordered by the Lord, he will receive each trial with a serene and grateful heart. He will not obstinately resist the divine governance, for he has willingly placed himself and all that he possesses in God's hands. Above all, let the Christian soul reject the foolish and pitiable consolation of the pagans, who, to fortify themselves against adversity, attributed it to blind fortune, considering it absurd to feel anger toward an aimless and capricious force that inflicted harm on the good and the wicked alike. On the contrary, the rule of piety teaches us that the hand of God governs and arbitrates the destinies of all. Instead of recklessly striking out against the world, He dispenses good and evil with perfect order and purpose.