“An hour of patience is worth more than several days of fasting” (St. John Vianney)
Why is patience so valuable that the Holy Curé of Ars, who led an extraordinarily ascetic life, held it in such high esteem?
In a sense, patience involves restraining our entire being, including our mind and feelings. It should not be confused with a certain inertia or an inability to make decisions. Rather, patience is about learning to wait for the right moment. Thus, patience is a work of the Spirit that springs from love, as we see above all in our heavenly Father. How often He is patient with us and all of humanity! His patience springs from His incomparable love, with which He draws His creatures to Himself.
Fasting is a magnificent and important ascetic practice that restrains our senses and can become a fundamental weapon in spiritual combat—precisely to fight against the powers of darkness. This is not meant to diminish its value; the saint who gifted us today’s phrase would certainly be careful not to belittle it. Practicing fasting for God’s sake is an act of love and responsibility.
However, it is an exercise of limited value, whereas patience is a lofty art of the spirit. Patience is related to forbearance and the mercy our Heavenly Father has for us, weak human beings. Both self-control and gentleness adorn patience with their beauty.
“Patience achieves everything!” The deepest meaning of these words is revealed to us when it comes to waiting on God. We can train ourselves in patience by curbing the urge to rush ahead, being mindful of disorderly speech, choosing your words carefully, and learning to wait on the Lord and for the right moment.