-
The Words of Faustina
I remember once reading a biography of a particular holy person. Now, this person had already written a great deal about their own spiritual experiences and their spiritual thoughts on a number of matters. Commenting on this, in the foreword the biographer had noted – rather astutely, I thought – that to really get to know a Saint or holy person it is not sufficient to listen to what they say about themselves; it is crucial that we listen to what others say of them, too. For this reason, I try always to read the biographies of those Saints who are of interest to me, as much as I read…
-
Called To Trust
It is very easy to say we trust. In most circumstances of life, that trust is little more than something we claim; we say we possess it and saying is easy to do. But trust doesn’t quite work like that; it comes into its own only when it is put to the test. And to trust – to really trust – can be the hardest thing to do, particularly in those moments when our trust is strained seeming to breaking point. And yet, it is only then, when it is maintained despite everything, that we can truly say that we trust. This principle applies to all of us. Trust is…
-
Apostle of Divine Mercy
When it comes to the Saints, and particularly special or patronal Saints, I tend to be rather choosy; I like to imagine that I am choosing such and such a Saint to be a part of my life for reasons which I believe I have come up with of my own doing, without external input. St Bernadette was my first such saint, and is now a dear and trusted friend, who will be with me always. St Louis de Montfort earned his place through his astonishing writings, which continue to impel and inspire me. And St John Macias arrived courtesy of a small booklet about his life – when I…
-
A Golden Thread of Trust
It is hard to deny with any credibility that the world in which we live, although “very good” as described in Genesis, is also a dark place – and that darkness seems only to deepen with each passing day. Seeing ourselves stumbling through this darkness whilst feeling completely unable to do much to improve things, we see our limitations and feel powerless. These thoughts are often on my mind as I read the Psalms. There, I notice that the sense of powerlessness, of littleness, is actually nothing new – even as we think that our present travails have never been equalled at any time in the past. The Psalms offer…
