I will make that commitment. Though depression runs through my blood, let it be banished, replaced by the grace and love of God. Thank you for suggesting this. It's such a wonderful, edifying lesson.
Fr. John Hardon's practical definition of patience: "the uncomplaining endurance of pain." Fr. Hardon, "saints never complain." We can address injustices in patience, charity, hope, and humility. In patience, we endure the suffering. In charity, we love our neighbor. In hope, we have the expectation that God will make it right. In humility, we know that we do not possess absolute truth (the littany of humility prayer is helpful). In summary and as Thomas A Kempis' masterful book attests, we are to imitate Christ. To be virtuous, to be perfect. Of course we cannot be perfect without His help. Complaining opposes virtue. Just my thoughts...Having this awareness has helped me to begin overcoming my pride and arrogance. I used to say, "tick tock goes the clock" to my coworkers-- meaning, get on my timeline--as if my timeline is God's timeline. I used to say, "not my job, why do I have to do it?"--as if to say I am above doing that menial task. Once you begin applying Fr. Hardon's practical definition through the lens of virtue, you'll begin to see how Sin (the 7 Deadly) are threaded into complaining...
God moved my heart about complaining over this.past week, so your guidance is timely! I'll keep your efforts in my prayers as I pray for my own. God bless you!
Great reflection Doc ! ( as usual) Spiritual pruning is definitely difficult at times , however, I find myself more joyful with each grace that God has given me . St John Vianney pray for us . Jesus I Trust in You 🙏🌹
Mike Schmitz did one June 30 that you can lose your soul over complaining, although he prefaced that there are legitimate complaints such as pointing out an injustice being done to someone else or honest communication in a relationship.
I understand your points, however I struggle with understanding how never complaining will help change things that go against the Lord. Example: protesting Abortion. Isn’t protesting a form of complaining? Another example: sending a letter of complaint to your pastor when church is closed during the pandemic. Please explain a little more.
