What is more precious in our lives : the building of a house , a good deed , a merry Christmas dinner or a serious illness ? How can we cleanse our spirit better ? This is a big-big secret . 

First of all it is our spirit that has a great need for suffering : gold is tried , cleansed in the fire .

From the point of our salvation also it can be a very important ,valuable period. Amidst suffering one can see much more clearly one’s decisions , life and can come to such a decision that one’s existence can be raised to a higher level. 

It is a fact that the “good thief “ could only repent on the cross with his dying breath, to cry out , Jesus Christ forgave him saying to him : "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”Luke 23, 43. 

It speaks more beautifully than any word , if a mother on her sickbed patiently, lovingly , showing an example to her children offers her suffering for them , bears her pain, her cross with dignity  Even for the family members this should not be just a burden, difficulty but it can also be an opportunity to express , strengthen their love . In their surrounding perhaps there are those who may reflect upon : life is this fragile , and perhaps they take their own more seriously .

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.