annoyances of others." (St John Bosco) Often we look for or fear the many extreme
mortifications of some saints. God may have led them to these practices, but these are not
necessary for holiness for us. St. John Bosco gives us a different understanding of mortification. Accept and embrace the situation of the moment (outside of sin) to be the will of God for me. In the words of St. Paul: "Let everything whatsoever that you do, whether in word or in deed, be done all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17) The daily circumstances of our life can become opportunities to grow in holiness or stumbling blocks for sin on our road of life. For instance, how do you deal with that one person who is like a thorn in your side? Or how do you respond to the person who drives in the passing lane below the speed limit? Or how do you deal with a family member whose habits irritate you? These are opportunities to perform self-restraint and patience which, done out of love for Jesus, can draw us closer to God. Mortification doesn't have to painful but fruitful.