There is a cross on your shoulders. It weighs on you and tugs at you from the back of your mind as you read this. May this little note remind you of how much God loves you and how deeply aware He is of the trial which is yours alone. You carry a cross which is so hard to explain that only He and you are the ones who know it completely. Even when this suffering is shared with another, it is never really entirely understood by him or her. So you go to God who knows so well the depths of your soul. Only in a heart-to-heart conversation with God do you find the strength and guidance you seek.
As you read this, my friends, all whom I miss so much, remember that I love you all and pray for you every day. We all have our trials and difficulties in life, but be encouraged with the thought that God has a wonderful purpose in all that comes our way. Every mistake He allows is to perfect us. Every worry He allows is to teach us to trust in Him. Every tear He allows is to renew joy in Him. Now as you read this; pause, and give all those concerns, worries, pains and trials to God. Don’t hesitate or be afraid to say “Jesus, I trust in You.”
Once you do this, really meaning it, you are ready for all that He sends you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry. Don’t doubt that He knows what He is doing in your life. He knows what you can bear. He knows what you are capable of. Just simply say, “yes, Lord, Your will be done.” Only by this route of surrender to the all-knowing and all-loving God is there deep spiritual growth.
Today, recall the time when Peter, a fisherman who knew how to fish, caught nothing all night. Jesus, not a fisherman by trade, called Peter to cast his nets in a certain place at a certain time. Peter didn’t question what God wanted, although he knew that he had failed to catch any fish for a good while. What happened? God brought about the good He desired simply through Peter’s obedience to the voice of God.
Here is our lesson for today; simply to give in to what God wants and leave the consequences in His hands. Don’t worry about what may happen. Leave that in God’s hands. Lastly, from Rome, I send my love and prayers. Please remember to pray for me.
God bless,
Fr. Sullivan
Fr. Sullivan, M.J., is a priest with the Miles Jesu order. Miles Jesu is an Institute of Consecrated Life dedicated to promoting reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to our Lady and faithfulness to the official teachings of the Church. For information on Miles Jesu and its Seminary Program, please call 1-800-654-7945 or visit their website.
