OUR FATHER MAKES USE OF OUR FALLS

“God often permits us to fall, to be humbled by our sinfulness” (St. Teresa of Avila).

The love of our Father, always attentive to the salvation of our souls, knows how to include even the weaknesses of our human nature in His plan of salvation. This certainty is very consoling, because generally we cannot overcome our weaknesses overnight, but we have to struggle for a long time and count on the Lord’s help until we manage to restrain them at least moderately. The prospect that God is able to benefit from our failures – which we often find painful, embarrassing, and humiliating – gives us hope and confidence in our Father. Read More

DIVINE COUNSEL

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me” (Ps 16:7).

Our Father speaks to us in many ways and leaves no one without instruction. Indeed, what father would refuse to counsel his son when he asks for it? How much more will our Heavenly Father counsel us in a variety of ways! His divine counsel will always be available to us if we will only seek it.

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THE DIGNITY OF MAN

“What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou dost care for him?” (Ps 8:4).

It is not easy for us human beings to see ourselves and others through the eyes of our loving Father, even if we try. Indeed, if we are not blind to our faults and shortcomings, if we recognise the moral wretchedness that often surrounds us, we may wonder how it is possible that God loves us so much and never gives up trying to conquer us.

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THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me” (Ps 23:4).

The paths we must take are not always clear and obvious to us. Both in this sin-filled world and in our personal life and spiritual journey, there are those “valleys of the shadow of death” of which the Psalmist speaks. But our Father never leaves us helpless when we lift our eyes to Him. Faith and the confidence that comes from it help us not to be discouraged.

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