33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration by Michael E. Gaitley

Author:Michael E. Gaitley
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Marian, Faustina, Jesus, Divine Mercy, St. Thérèse, Little Way
Publisher: Marian Press
Published: 2016-02-29T05:00:00+00:00

DAY 28

Thérèse’s Darkness (Part Two)

Before yesterday, we may have thought that we couldn’t relate to St. Thérèse because she lived in a convent and had no difficulties believing in God and heaven. We may have thought, “Well, she didn’t live where I live. I mean, here it seems as if nobody believes in God, and living by faith is hard.” But now we know that Thérèse also suffered the temptation to wonder whether there even is a God and a heaven. On top of that, she also felt rejected by God because of her sinfulness. And so, she bore both of those temptations, and not just for a day but for more than a year. Yet she “hoped against hope,” trusting that God does exist and that he would make her into a great saint. But how did she do it? How do we do it? How do we persevere in faith, hope, and love in the midst of deep spiritual darkness? It’s simple. Let me explain with an image that Thérèse herself used.

All of us, at one time or another, have basked in the rays of God’s love (called by St. Ignatius of Loyola “consolation”). For instance, maybe we felt it at Mass when we received Holy Communion, when we read a passage from God’s Word, when we stood before a majestic sunset, or when we received the tender love of a spouse, parent, or friend. Whenever it was, we’ve all experienced God’s love and how real that love is. We’ve “seen” the divine sun and have been warmed by its rays.

But the problem is we forget. Dark clouds creep in and cover up the sun (what St. Ignatius calls “desolation”). We stop feeling its rays. We wonder if the sun is still up there. And perhaps we begin to get discouraged as our faith and trust start to waver and change to doubt and distrust.

Now, the difference between many of us and St. Thérèse is that she clung to God’s promises of mercy and the memory of his love (consolation), especially in the midst of darkness (desolation).163 She didn’t give up. She kept trying. She kept trusting throughout the darkness. In short, she discovered her Little Way, and then her faith was tested, and then she passed the test — every day, to the very end.

So, truly blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled! Truly blessed is she who clung to the memory of God’s love in the midst of darkness! Truly blessed is she who provides us with such a personal and perfect example of trust!

And we know she was blessed. How do we know that? Well, read the following account of her death from Mother Agnes, and realize that St. Thérèse didn’t die of tuberculosis. No, she suffered from tuberculosis, but she died of love.

Her breathing suddenly became weaker and more laboured. She fell back on the pillow, her head turned towards the right … [S]he

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