If you want faith, practice patience; Church Fathers: Day 104

Last updated on: November 5, 2017 at 6:41 am by Pete Socks

If you want faith, practice patience; Church Fathers: Day 104 2017-11-05T06:41:15-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Tertullian, one of the founders of Christian theology, tells us that the New Law demands patience. Without patience, there can be no faith.

Patience comes both after and before faith.

Abraham believed God; but it was patience that tested his faith, when he was told to sacrifice his son. Such a burdensome commandment would not have pleased the Lord if it had been carried out perfectly, but he patiently heard it and would have obeyed it if it had been God’s will. He certainly deserved to be called blessed because he was faithful; and he deserved to be called faithful because he was patient.

So faith, illuminated by patience, when it was spreading through the nations through Abraham’s seed, which is Christ, and was adding grace over the Law, made patience her main helper for deepening and fulfilling the Law because that was all that was missing from the teaching of righteousness.

In the old days, people demanded “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” and to repay evil for evil. Patience was not yet on the earth, because faith was not on the earth either. Of course, impatience made full use of the opportunities the Law gave it. That was easy when the Lord and Master of patience was not here. But now that he has come and put the grace of faith together with patience, we are no longer allowed to attack someone even with a word—not even to call someone a fool without facing the danger of judgment.

The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). This most important commandment summarizes in a word the universal discipline of patience, since it does not allow us to do evil even to people who deserve it. –Tertullian, On Patience, chapter 6

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What things try my patience in my life?

What does Christ really want me to do about those things?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, I know that, in your mysterious providence, I am called to share in the sufferings of your Son. Grant me a spirit of patience, so that I may always be a true and faithful witness to your promises.

Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

A Year with the Church Fathers

Previous Post

November 4, 2017

Don’t be guilty of someone else’s despair; Church Fathers: Day 103

Next Post

November 6, 2017 Off the Shelf 045 with Bradley Hahn - Solidarity HealthShare

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz