These things are difficult but also rewarding. Don’t focus on the present obstacles, but on the future benefits; not on the tortures at hand, but the anticipated blessings; not the sufferings, but the prizes; not the labors, but the crowns; not the sweat expended, but the rewards; not the sorrows, but the returns; not the consuming fire, but the kingdom that lies ahead; not the executioners standing all around, but Christ crowned. This is the greatest method and easiest path to virtue, to focus on not just the labors, but also the rewards that follow the labors, but not just individually.—St. John Chrysostom, On the Holy Martyrs, par. 7
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