Respond to one, or more, of the 14 Rules: 1. Not to deliberately cause crosses, by one's own fault 2. Be aware of one's neighbour's good 3. Admire the sublime virtue of the saints without pretending to attain to it 4. Ask God for the wisdom of the cross 5. Humble oneself for one's faults, without worrying 6. God humbles us to purify us 7. Avoid the trap of pride in one's crosses 8. Profit by little sufferings rather than great ones 9. Love crosses, not with an emotional love, but with rational and supernatural love 10. Suffer all sorts of crosses, without exception and without choice 11. Four considerations for suffering well a. The eye of God b. The hand of God c. The wounds and sufferings of Christ crucified d. Heaven above; hell below 12. Never complain against creatures 13. Accept the cross only with gratitude 14. Take up some voluntary crosses

"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." Describe a persecution you've endured from someone. Say a prayer for that person who persecutes you and end it with a thanksgiving to God.

Have you complained in your suffering? What tools have you used in order to suffer cheerfully?

Describe people from the Bible who endured great suffering (i.e. Abel, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Tobias, Job, Apostles, Martyrs, Virgins, Saints, Blessed Virgin Mary). How did they serve as witnesses to Christ?

The refiner's fire makes precious metal pure, by burning away sediment & other foreign matter. What virtues (purity) have you acquired after much suffering (intense heat)? Share your examples.

Describe the times when you didn't trust God, that he will make things right, but later saw you were wrong?

How have you seen the hand of God in times of persecution?

If Jesus gives you a choice between a crown of thorns and crown of roses which would you choose?

How do you think people crucify Jesus with their hearts?

Describe how you can apply this to your life.

Describe, from your point of view, the four practices of Christian Perfection.

Do you have an example of you surrendering to God's will?

How do you discern God's will in your life?

Describe, in your own words, what it is to follow the path of worldliness.

Describe, in your own words, a follower of Christ.

Do you have attachments? How can you give up your attachments for Jesus' sake?

How have you carried your sufferings and accepted God's will?

...by his love for humiliation, he triumphs over the world's greed by his love for poverty and he restrains the sensuality of the flesh by his love for suffering. Have you ever been humiliated before and how did you react?

How did you see Jesus in others and what actions did you pursue to help others the way Jesus would have done?

Describe a time in your life when you glorified God in your actions.