Let Nothing Disturb You

“Let nothing disturb you; Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God. God alone suffices.” St. Teresa of Avila 

My friends in the Carmel cloister sent me this email recently. I have seen and read the bookmark more often than I can remember. It is always good to read it again. I was planning on a trip for quite a while. It was something I always wanted to do. Circumstances and reality were telling me something else. I visited my friends in the Carmel on a regular visit and once I left, I knew the trip was not to be. I felt better about the decision and much more relieved. However, the indications about the trip were not important as much as the affection others have towards me that reminded me of what is best for me. The trip did not happen – for now.

"Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.” Pope Benedict XVI

St. Alphonsus Liguori had a very successful law career. However, he eventually discerned a call to the priesthood. He had a very practical, simple way of preaching that helped others to hear God’s call. St. Ignatius is the one we could turn to when making a difficult decision. His insights regarding career choices are invaluable. How can we think saints who lived centuries ago help us now? Of course they do. Saints are not some group of people of yesteryear, but they are here, present with us now. We even have the Fourteen Holy Helpers who can help with many needs. Saints are near to us. They are examples for us.

"After you have made a decision that is pleasing to God, the devil may try to make you have second thoughts. Intensify your prayer time, meditation and good deeds.” St. Ignatius of Loyola

Big or small, decisions are difficult. They can give us stress or even cause pain, yet we are not alone in these decisions. Career, where to study, what to study or relationships. There are so many avenues to confuse us. Only one avenue is needed; only one brings us joy and we need to be directed towards it. This happens out of a real friendship.

“The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundantly you will receive what you ask.” St. Albert the Great