God afflicts us because he ...

God afflicts us because he loves us; and it is very pleasing to him, when in our afflictions he sees us abandon ourselves to his paternal care.
 Benedict Joseph Labre

Quotes from the same author

I was watching souls going down into the abyss as thick and fast as snowflakes falling in the winter mist.
 Benedict Joseph Labre
Meditate on the horrors of Hell, which will last for eternity because of one easily-committed mortal sin. Try hard to be among the few who are chosen. Think of the eternal flames of Hell, and how few there are that are saved.
 Benedict Joseph Labre