God Never Fails Us

“God is full of compassion and never fails those who are afflicted and despised, if they trust in Him alone.” St. Teresa of Avila

Morning mass today was special, although it usually is on any day. Although, in Canada, the Epiphany feast moves to the nearest Sunday, it is still the twelfth night after Christmas. The homily was brief, but I managed to appreciate one comment made. The priest spoke of John’s gospel and how two words stand out in his work – love and faith. Important words to remember regularly in our day. January 7th, we celebrate the feast of St. Andre Bessette (in Canada it does not coincide with the Epiphany)– Brother Andre - who was a simple brother but whose grandiose faith and ambition would build St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. He lived a quiet life, yet his funeral drew huge crowds at a time when there was still great faith in Quebec. I have visited this shrine many times. I am always gobsmacked by such beauty. 

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis of Assisi

We can read about saint after saint and how they did the impossible. Two saints with such determination came to my mind . St. Charles Sezze who was born poor, was quasi-illiterate and had poor health. To me, this is a recipe for success since God knows exactly how to raise up the lowly. He became a lay brother and like St. Andre Bessette did menial tasks. However, he was sought out for spiritual advice when he was previously likely written off as someone with nothing to offer. He was also a stigmatist. He said, “God does not command us to live in hair shirts and chains, or to chastise our flesh with scourges, but to love Him above all things and our neighbour as ourselves.” St. Charles Sezze.

Another saint was Blessed Rita Amada. She sought out a vocation in Portugal at a time when the Church suffered great persecution at the hands of the government. She also wanted to go on missions, but she could not travel. Consequently, she taught from her home in secret as the Church in Portugal suffered greatly. Her sisters went on to Brazil to teach and spread the faith. She embraced this cross with love. 

“Let Gabriel’s word be held in your mind for nothing is impossible to this glorious majesty, who humbled Himself for us and was born of our humanity.” St. Ephrem

Recently, we had a family member who suffered greatly. Breakthrough after breakthrough came and we see how it is the Lord who helped us. Of course, He did. He does not forget his children, though at times in our despair, we think He does. I think often of these great saints who endured so much and how I can endure so little for God. When I think of the homily today and how John’s gospel talks of love and faith, I wonder how much of either one I have

I enjoy my work very much and I try my best to serve our Lord. Recently I found that I had some extra money to spend. I asked the Carmelite Sisters how I could spend it wisely. They offered some suggestions but also reminded me that God will let me know what he wants done with this extra cash. I am listening. 

“The saints were not superhuman. They were people who loved God in their hearts, and who shared this joy with others.” Pope Francis