I see so many parallels here to my spiritual life and reading life. Lots of familiar sentiments! Lots of familiar titles! I have also had my idea of what holiness consists of knocked off of its pedestal. I'm doing a reread of Abandonment to Divine Providence and am being reminded of how holiness consists much in part of faithfully tending to the duties of one's state of life. I'm going to have to print your essay, because it's so lengthy (for me to sit and read it on-line) and ponder it more. One thing that has come under my radar lately is seeing my own imperfections and also having to ask myself why I should be surprised that I sin and remind myself that His grace is sufficient for me, that His power is made perfect in my weakness. I think it's good though, to know of our weaknesses because we need to rely more on Him instead of ourselves and if our weaknesses are what lead us to that, all the better. (I don't pretend I like it, but I know it's for my good.) Oh, and I have to repeat to myself over and over "Jesus I trust in you"- St. Faustina - and - "O Jesus I surrender myself to you, take care of everything." - Father Dolindo Ruotolo Thanks for writing this - and many blessings to you and yours!
> This doesn’t mean that I gave up all prayer or reading, it just means that I was doing a lot less of it.
This reminds me that a couple of years ago (after I had gradually accreted a long (for me) list of vocal prayers, apparently in order to feel a sense of control, e.g "pray this for x years and here's what you'll get" like a vending machine), God was pleased to give me *viral pneumonia* and by necessity I reverted to doing only the things I had promised to do and to trust in Him more.
Wow! Good work. Thanks so much for sharing this so beautiful
I see so many parallels here to my spiritual life and reading life. Lots of familiar sentiments! Lots of familiar titles! I have also had my idea of what holiness consists of knocked off of its pedestal. I'm doing a reread of Abandonment to Divine Providence and am being reminded of how holiness consists much in part of faithfully tending to the duties of one's state of life. I'm going to have to print your essay, because it's so lengthy (for me to sit and read it on-line) and ponder it more. One thing that has come under my radar lately is seeing my own imperfections and also having to ask myself why I should be surprised that I sin and remind myself that His grace is sufficient for me, that His power is made perfect in my weakness. I think it's good though, to know of our weaknesses because we need to rely more on Him instead of ourselves and if our weaknesses are what lead us to that, all the better. (I don't pretend I like it, but I know it's for my good.) Oh, and I have to repeat to myself over and over "Jesus I trust in you"- St. Faustina - and - "O Jesus I surrender myself to you, take care of everything." - Father Dolindo Ruotolo Thanks for writing this - and many blessings to you and yours!
> This doesn’t mean that I gave up all prayer or reading, it just means that I was doing a lot less of it.
This reminds me that a couple of years ago (after I had gradually accreted a long (for me) list of vocal prayers, apparently in order to feel a sense of control, e.g "pray this for x years and here's what you'll get" like a vending machine), God was pleased to give me *viral pneumonia* and by necessity I reverted to doing only the things I had promised to do and to trust in Him more.
Love this! Thank You for sharing!