Beautiful the Glittering Wounds and Scars

'Lift up your eyes and see
where you belong:
the Fatherland
of the heavenly paradise...
All who are there
will be glad to see you.
They long fervently
for your joyful presence..
they want you
to engage devoutly
in the spiritual combat
of suffering,
and behave chivalrously
in all the same hardships
that they themselves
have overcome!
If you only knew
how they now,
with great sweetness,
remember the cruel years
through which they once passed.
Truly, all suffering
would only be easier for you,
knowing that the more
bitterly you have suffered,
the more honorably
you are received there.
How pleasant
that honor will be...
How exquisitely
beautiful will be
the glittering wounds and scars
that you received here below
for the sake of My love!'

Blessed Henry Suso

'Therefore, since we are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every encumbrance of sin which clings to us and persevere in running the race which lies ahead.  Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith.'  (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Painting: Gustave Dore.Triumph of Christianity