“You must eliminate the word ‘discouragement’ from your vocabulary. The more you feel your weakness, the more you must remember that one abyss calls to another (Psalm 41:8): the abyss of your misery attracts the abyss of His mercy” (Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity).
The masters of the spiritual life have left us many words of comfort and encouragement, and the question of how to deal with our weakness often occupies a prominent place. Indeed, it is not easy for us humans to accept it. Our various weaknesses constantly remind us of our limitations and weigh us down in different ways. In reality, we would simply like to go our way without major obstacles or interruptions. However, weaknesses slow us down and tend to discourage us, especially when we see no progress.
But this is precisely where today’s phrase comes in, reminding us that we are not alone in the abyss of our weakness. In fact, it is our very weakness that teaches us to invoke the love of our heavenly Father, who not only knows it but even integrates it into His plan of salvation for us. Remembering this, we become more aware of our Father’s love and patience with us, always ready to support us.
One of the most moving mysteries of God’s love is that He has chosen the weak and despised of the world (cf. 1 Cor 1:27–28) to bear witness to His clemency. Thus, our personal weakness attracts His mercy. What reason is there, then, to be discouraged, having such a kind Father?