Confusion and Clarity

“Our world no longer hears God because it is constantly speaking, at a devastating speed and volume, in order to say nothing.” Robert Cardinal Sarah

I spend my day talking. I teach. But I would say that much of my work needs to involve listening. I need to listen to the people I work with, my boss, and others around me. I find that the listening comes part and parcel with the speaking. During my day, people bring concerns to me, and I need to continue to be available and empathetic. We are all searching for some sort of clarity in our lives. The only road that would bring us to some clarity is Christ.

“Take what you must suffer out of necessity, and offer it to God, and it will become virtue and merit.” St. John Bosco

St. Jane Frances de Chantal suffered tragedy in her life. After having seven children, her husband died in a hunting accident. She encountered St. Francis de Sales, and she was drawn to him. Wracked with doubt, she suffered greatly. However, she did what the Carmelite Nuns tell me to do – double down on your faith and cling to God. Our Lord does not sow seeds of confusion. Similarly, St. Paul of the Cross suffered decades of doubt and confusion, but he did not give up. He persevered. We do not know the reasons that God permitted this, but His infinite wisdom must prevail.

“I’ve had these temptations for forty-one years now; do you think I’m going to give up after all this time? Absolutely not. I’ll never stop hoping in God.” St. Jane Frances

Doubt pervades our world. We have become quite cynical about things. We become very suspicious of people, and we doubt authority. In our disillusionment, our only solace is Christ. St. Jane Frances looked to people ahead of herself. She was determined to never give up on Our Lord and, of course, He would never give up on her. We need to continue to be strong and steadfast in our faith. It might be a tall order, but that confusion will become clarity one day. We cannot lose heart.

“Then steer your ship with steady arm. Trust Me and rest your soul. Your little boat, I’ll keep from harm, I’ll guide it toward its goal. … Be therefore, steadfast, calm and true. Your God is at your side. Through storm and night, He’ll see you through, with conscience as your guide.” St. Teresa  Benedicta of the Cross