But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

~ 1 Peter 5:10-11

(St. Peter, as depicted in the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland)

What encouraging words Saint Peter wrote to the early Christians! After we have suffered a little...which in those days often meant torture and death...after we suffer a little, God will make us perfect, will validate us, and will confirm us in virtue. Oh Lord, confirm us in virtue, that we may habitually seek the good and avoid evil.

Let us suffer our tribulations well, with joy and courage, like the early Christians did, so that He may make us saints!