In Difficult Moments

“In difficult moments I will fix my gaze upon the silent heart of Jesus, stretched upon the cross, and from the exploding flames of his merciful heart, will flow down upon me power and strength to keep fighting.” St. Faustina

In my work, I often get asked questions about the future. The students I work with might be older, but they have the same questions as all of us do. I thought about the questions I get asked and it can be difficult to have the answer for people. One thing is sure – Christ. There is no other road for any of us. Recently, at mass, we were reminded on the feasts of various saints who struggled for their faith. St. Luke wrote a gospel, and he also wrote the Acts of the Apostles. and what he accomplished was not easy. But he continued to write and witness in a time when the Church was persecuted. Similarly, St. Ignatius of Antioch entered the Church and suffered for it. He was walked to Rome for his execution and martyrdom, but he continued to write the early Christian communities along the way. He encouraged them. Such devotion!

“If you are in danger, if your hearts are confused, turn to Mary.” St. Francis Xavier

I was listening to a Catholic Radio program regarding the Synod in Rome. Much information comes out in the media and many people seem to have an agenda as to what direction the Church is moving. The Catholic presenter spoke with a great confidence in the Holy Spirit and was sure that the Church would be helped and protected in this journey. Here again, we need to trust. In a recent contact with my friends in the Carmelite monastery, the nuns reminded me again of the faith of the saints who founded the Carmelite order. St. Teresa of Avila reminded us not to be disturbed by anything. It is all in God’s hands.

“Sometimes the very best thing we can do when we are feeling depressed or lost or confused or spiritually adrift is to engage in concrete acts of love.” Bishop Barron

It is easy to turn our backs on God. He does not necessarily do what we want. The bigger question might be is – what do we want? When we ask our Lord to help us, it might be better if we ask Him what he wants for us. We might not like the answer, but we respond with humility and affection for our Lord. It is very important that we stay attached to what we have met in the beginning. We met Christ in some way in our lives and we cannot ignore it. We can only stay in a company of people who show us the road. Despite the struggles we might have and the doubts we might have, Christ can only reassure us.

“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