hen we are weighed down by poverty, and grief makes us sad; when bodily pain makes us restless, and exile despondent; or when any other grievance afflicts us, if there be good people at hand who understand the art of rejoicing with the joyful and weeping with the sorrowful, who know how to speak a cheerful word and uplift us, then bitterness is mitigated, worries are alleviated and our troubles are overcome.

Prayer. Lord, whether prosperity smile or adversity frown, let your praise be ever in my mouth.

From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Augustine Day by Day: Minute Meditations for Every Day Taken from the Writings of Saint Augustine. Catholic Book Publishing Co. New York, 1986.

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