“Let the storm rage and the sky darken – we will not be discouraged!” (Pope Saint Pius X)
We can take heart from these words of Pope Saint Pius X. Surely our Father wants us to remain steadfast in all difficulties, even in dramatic circumstances and apocalyptic tribulations, and not be led astray from the path the Lord shows us. This is only possible if we fix our gaze on Him and allow our souls to be rooted in Him, thus being carried by the grace of God.
Our Lord calmed the storm on the lake (Lk 8:22–24). God’s bright light shines into the darkness (Jn 1:5). Let us hold fast to this! Let us turn our gaze toward this and leave the confusion behind! It must not penetrate us or obscure our path.
This pope endured much, especially “poisonous storms” within the Church. He held fast to the truth and did everything in his power to protect the Church.
The same applies to us who follow the Lord. In the face of all these threats, we must not despair, but must walk hand in hand with our heavenly Father and remain in the light of God.
How many have been shipwrecked!
How many no longer see the light!
How many have been deceived!
When we notice this, the saint’s words should accompany us. Those who are shipwrecked need someone to pull them out of the sea. They need a hand to hold on to. They need our hand, through which God’s hand reaches out to them.
So let us not be deterred! Not only for our own sake, but so that others do not get lost in the turmoil.