Lord, Sanctify Our Feelings (and Thoughts)

In our weakness we may sometimes get frustrated with our spontaneous negative feelings—of jealousy, slight grudges short of hatred, little dislike of this or that person, resentment, complaints, grumbling, prejudice, critical and judgmental thoughts, mild anger, etc. –all stemming from our wounded human nature prone to selfishness and pride. Being involuntary these are not outright sinful, unless we harbor them willfully, dwell in them and affirm them– but rather are imperfections of our flawed nature. These are also indications that we are still so attached more to ourselves and the world, instead of being attached to God. It is good, however, that we are displeased with these unwanted feelings, and have the desire to be rid of them.

How then should we deal with these unhealthy feelings? First, we should accept them in humble acknowledgment of our imperfection. Then we lift them up to God for healing.

Now recognizing that all these stem from our wounded human nature we are reminded that God already offers to elevate our nature by grace–His life in us making us “partakers of the divine nature” (2Peter 1:4).

It is not enough, however, to live in the ‘state of grace’ habitually. We must strive to constantly grow in Sanctifying Grace, so that God's life may permeate more and more deeply into our souls. This we do by intensifying our prayer life (turning to God actually), especially by the practice of the Theological Virtues, frequent reception of the Sacraments, and good works, by which grace is increased in us. For as grace increases the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit also increase, which will then gradually extinguish the unholy and selfish feelings/sentiments. As we grow in grace so is our flawed human nature gradually healed of its imperfections.

In addition we need to intentionally strive to grow in love of God. Hence the need to frequently meditate on God's love exemplified by our crucified Lord, “which presseth us to love God in return” (2Cor 5:14). For although Charity is in the will, a constant consideration and meditation on God's personal love for us cannot but lead to an ‘affective’ love of God that strengthens our resolve not just to avoid sin but to love God and neighbor actively and effectively. “When a man falls in love with God, he immediately goes out in search of a neighbor.” (Fulton Sheen, “The World's First Love") An ever deepening love of God also increases humility in us, the foundation of all the moral virtues–the antidote to unholy feelings.

Little by little we will begin to see others as Jesus sees them, feel as Jesus feels, desire as He desires– Our feelings will gradually be imbued with the Spirit of our Lord. Our petty envies will turn to praise of God for His abundant blessings on others. Our jealousies will turn to love for the ones we are jealous of. Our little grudges will melt into forgiveness, care, and concern. Our critical attitude will be transformed into genuine well wishes (benevolence) for those we criticize. Our indifference will turn to genuine concern. In a word, we will be more and more conformed to Jesus Who, as the Perfect Man, possesses the purest, most tender, most comprehensive and most generous love.

Some quick first aids:
Still even before we achieve such spiritual maturity there are concrete steps we can already take when we catch ourselves, (in our unguarded moments), with these unwanted and (involuntary) unholy feelings. Firstly, since feelings are usually borne of thoughts we can immediately think of Jesus. The Name and Thought of Jesus contains All Good and evokes holy feelings. Here we are also reminded and consoled by Jesus’ promise to St. Catherine of Siena: “Think of me; if you do, I will immediately think of you”.

Secondly, at the onset of any unholy feeling we can immediately consecrate our hearts and minds, including our interior and exterior senses, to Jesus through Mary, to be purified in our intentions, feelings and sentiments.

Incidentally, all the aforementioned may also address mental issues of depression and anxiety so common today among many young people (even besides the need for professional help, as the case may warrant) -–which usually generate feelings of hopelessness, lack of drive and motivation. Surely a deep sense of God's personal love gives one a strong sense of security (in God) that is an antidote to depression and anxiety.

Finally, we can always explicitly pray: “Lord, sanctify my feelings. Or, “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine”. This is a prayer that surely pleases our Lord, and He will surely build us up until with St. Paul we can say “ it is not I but Christ who lives (and feels) in me”. For the more Christ-like we become, the more holy will our thoughts and feelings be. A heart so conformed to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary cannot but engender only holy feelings in us.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.