Why We Wait

Deb's agreement about how hard it is for us on this side to await the resurrection of our loved ones prompts me to copy what I read last night on Monachos about perseverance. I'm still looking for the quote, but it made me think that perhaps Christ went through all of our stages, including death, faster because He was without sin. We who have a habit of sin must prove our virtues, including patient endurance, through consistency over time.

Here it is,

What toil we must endure, what fatigue, while we are attempting to climb hills and the summits of mountains! What, that we may ascend to heaven! If you consider the promised reward, what you endure is less. Immortality is given to the one who perseveres; everlasting life is offered; the Lord promises His Kingdom.

- St Cyprian of Carthage

and another

What, then, are the things which are being prepared for those who wait for Him? The Creator and Father of the ages, the All-holy One, Himself knows their greatness and beauty. Let us then strive to be found among the number of those that wait, that we may receive a share of the promised gifts.

- St Clement of Rome