“Without God’s grace, I could do nothing” (Saint Joan of Arc).
Saint Joan of Arc expresses a fundamental truth in a very simple way. She knows that she depends on God for everything. However, this dependence does not have the negative connotation we usually associate with this term when we refer to a situation that deprives us of our freedom.
“To live in love is to sail forever, spreading seeds of joy and peace in hearts” (Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus).
Saint Thérèse refers here to the work of the Holy Spirit through His seven gifts. When these are active in a soul, it begins to sail like a boat, as described so beautifully in ‘The Little Flower’. Before, the person had to row with their own strength, even though driven by the Holy Spirit. But now, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, her journey becomes easier.
‘I have often heard it said in retreats and on other occasions that an innocent soul never loves God as much as a repentant soul. How I long to prove that this is not true!’ (Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus).
“Always remember the end, for lost time never returns” (Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ).
It is not easy for us to put these wise words into practice, even though they would bring so much clarity to our lives. Sacred Scripture also exhorts us: “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (Sir 7:36).
‘O infinitely good God! You never deprive us of your gifts, unless we ourselves withdraw our hearts from you’ (St. Francis de Sales).
The wonderful gifts that God has given us, whether natural or supernatural, are meant to praise His glory and only reach their true splendour when we use them for this purpose. How empty art becomes when it does not glorify God! How vain are words if they do not praise God and edify men! How empty life becomes when it is lived with our backs turned to God!
“No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.” (3 Jn 1:4).
These are words from the third letter of Saint John, addressed to a certain “Gaius,” about whom we have no further information. We can undoubtedly put these words in the mouth of our Heavenly Father. As this entire epistle attests, our life must be lived in accordance with the truth, both in word and deed, bearing witness to Our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hold fast to me and enter into the depths of your being” (Inner Word).
If we want to follow the Lord, it is essential that we cultivate our inner life. Otherwise, we run the risk of remaining in an outward Christianity that does not reflect the beauty of the faith nor possess the strength of conviction necessary to help our Heavenly Father invite men to His Kingdom, to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
“For Me it is a very fitting way of living…in the souls of all those in a state of grace
[through My Holy Spirit]” (Message of God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio).
What unspeakable grace is divine indwelling, of which we should become more aware every day: the Father and the Son have sent us the Holy Spirit to dwell in our souls, illuminating them with His light and adorning them with His gifts. Let us try to imagine the joy God experiences in a soul that cooperates with His grace. It must be a delight for our Father, just as He was pleased to see the work of His creation, and especially human beings. The simple fact that we can be the cause of such joy for God is reason enough to leave behind all lukewarmness and live to please Him. What a strong and at the same time sweet helper the Father sends us to dwell in our souls!
“II have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” (Jer 31:3).
This is the love of which the people of Israel lived. Time and again, they were able to experience the faithfulness and compassion of their Heavenly Father. It was this love that moved Him to send His own Son as Saviour for His people, so that He might reveal His love to them and make it fruitful. By sending the Holy Spirit, He brought everything to fulfilment so that God’s eternal love might be proclaimed to all humanity.
“Look at my Son: did he not always hold me close? The same must happen to you” (Inner Word).
We must imitate Our Lord Jesus Christ in everything, and thus we will be introduced into the Heart of our Heavenly Father. If we try to do this day after day and return to Jesus as soon as possible if we have lost our way, then it will become increasingly natural for us to keep our eyes fixed on our Heavenly Father. We know that Jesus did nothing without first raising His gaze to the Heavenly Father in order to act in full conformity with Him. Saint Joan of Arc expressed it this way: ‘All my words and actions are in God’s hands; in all things I hope in Him.’
