Blessed is the one who suffers here, because, the more he suffers in this life, the more he is helped in the other, for that is how he receives forgiveness for his sins. The cross of ordeals is higher than the ‘talents’, the graceful gifts that God offers us. The person that bears not only one but five crosses is blessed. An ordeal or a martyrial death is also a clear reward. Thus, we should say for every ordeal, “Thank you, my God, because this is what was needed for my salvation.”
Venerable Paisios of Mount Athos
