June 10, 2026
— Wikipedia (after the Macao Encyclopedia and others) · Source: Chinese Wikipedia, "郭居静" (sections on the 1606 Cattaneo affair and his mission); English Wikipedia, "Lazzaro Cattaneo"
1 Peter 1:6-7 For this reason you have great joy, though for a little while you will have to be saddened by various trials, so that your faith, being of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be praised, glorified and honored when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Praise in good times is certainly beautiful, but submission in adversity is the touchstone of faith. As 1 Peter says, suffering is like a raging fire, its purpose not to destroy but to purify. When life's storms rage and the road ahead is fraught with difficulty, we often waver because of our present worries. However, it is precisely these trials that strip away our reliance on worldly things, forcing us to relinquish human wisdom and surrender our destiny completely. This faith, tested by fire, is more precious than pure gold. Recognizing that the Lord's will is higher than human will in adversity and willingly submitting is the truest virtue of a Christian, and will surely inherit eternal glory when the Lord is revealed.
Dear Lord Jesus, I praise Your unfathomable wisdom and sovereignty. Forgive me for my sin of rejoicing in good times but being weak and complaining in adversity. When life's storms rage and I struggle, grant me steadfast faith and a heart of obedience. Open my spiritual eyes, and let me firmly believe that Your will is higher than my thoughts. I willingly surrender my path and destiny entirely into Your hands, and gladly accept the purification of life's fire. Take away the fear and sorrow in my heart, and let my life be molded as pure as fine gold through all kinds of trials, so that when the bright morning star appears, I may bear victorious fruit for You, and Your name may receive praise, glory, and honor. Amen.