Friday. [Gal. 4:8-21; Mark 6:45-53]

   Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. Here is the pillar of our hope! Whatever misfortune or sorrow might there be, remember that the Lord is near, and be inspired through courageous patience. As at that time He suddenly appeared before the apostles who were in calamity on the sea, so will He show His help and intercession suddenly to you when you are in calamity. He is everywhere and is always ready with His protection. Stand only with Him or before Him in faith, prayer, hope, and devotion to His holy will. There will occur a union of the spirit with the Lord, and from this comes every good thing. However, this does not mean that there immediately will be dignity, and glory and honor, and other such things. The external things might remain as they are, but there will arise a courageous and good-humoured abiding in the order of events which it pleases the Lord to arrange for a person. And this is the main thing that everyone in calamity should seek—happiness on the inside, and not on the outside. Inner blessedness always exists among those who are in living union with the Lord.