Effectively, what are we accomplishing on earth when we suffer? We are applying to ourselves the merit of the sufferings of Jesus Christ. And what is God doing in heaven? He is eternally fulfilling the purpose for which His Son suffered and died, by granting eternal happiness to souls redeemed by this Divine Savior. O Holy Cross! O suffering! How amiable you are since you are honored and will be eternally honored because of the power which you have given souls to praise and love God! O Holy Cross! O suffering! How amiable you are since the love of God has given way to you in His Son to gain through you the power to give paradise to those who had lost it by pleasure!
