ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE

Every day, God is at work, actively shaping and guiding our lives, even though we might not always see it. This divine action is a constant, unending force that operates quietly behind the scenes. It’s like a hidden hand, gently weaving the fabric of our daily experiences. Often, we might miss this subtle yet profound presence because we are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. Seeing the Divine in the Ordinary There was a time when I struggled to see God’s hand in my daily life. Between homeschooling my children, managing a household on a tight budget, and navigating the challenges of everyday life, it was easy to get overwhelmed. Every moment felt like a battle, and I often found myself wondering, "Where is God in all of this?" But over time, I began to understand that God’s presence isn’t always felt in grand gestures or miraculous events. Instead, His divine action is embedded in the small, often unnoticed moments of our lives. For instance, the pa...

  The pursuit of holiness often seems daunting, reserved for saints or those living in monasteries. However, understanding the simplicity of sanctity can make it accessible to anyone, no matter their state in life. I have personally struggled with this idea, thinking that I needed to do something extraordinary to grow closer to God. But the teachings of Jean-Pierre de Caussade in Abandonment to Divine Providence have profoundly changed my perspective, showing me that sanctity is much easier to attain than I once thought. The Hidden Merit in Everyday Actions If we could truly grasp the value hidden in the mundane tasks of our daily lives, we would be spared much of the anxiety that often accompanies our spiritual journeys. I remember a time when I was overwhelmed by the thought that I wasn't doing enough for God. I felt that my daily routine of homeschooling, cooking, and cleaning couldn't possibly contribute to my sanctification. But then I realized that every moment, every ta...

  The Excellence of Soul in Submission to Divine Will As I journey through life as a homeschooling mother of five, I’ve come to realize that the degree of excellence in our souls is deeply connected to our fidelity to God’s will. It’s not merely about fulfilling our duties but about how closely our actions align with the divine order established by God. This realization has transformed my approach to daily tasks and responsibilities. Divine Value in Daily Duties The duties we carry out in our everyday lives, no matter how mundane they seem, gain a supernatural and divine value when done in submission to God’s will. Whether it’s teaching my children, managing the household, or attending to the countless tasks that fill my day, I’ve learned to see these duties as sacred because they are ordained by God. It’s not just about doing these tasks but doing them with a heart that seeks to align with His will. I recall a time when I struggled with this concept. My days were filled with endle...

  In life, we all seek peace—true, lasting peace that transcends the chaos of our daily routines. But as I’ve learned through my journey, this peace can only be found in submission to the divine action, in aligning our will with God's. It’s a lesson that has transformed my approach to life, especially during challenging times. As a homeschooling mother of five, my life is a constant whirlwind of tasks—teaching, budgeting, managing the household, and caring for my children. In the midst of all this, I often found myself striving for control, trying to organize every detail, plan every outcome, and solve every problem with sheer willpower. I thought that by working harder and planning better, I could create a sense of peace and stability for my family. However, no matter how much effort I put in, true peace always seemed elusive, just out of reach. It was during one particularly overwhelming period that I realized the flaw in my thinking. I was relying too much on my own abilities an...

  In our journey of faith, the use of our mental faculties—our minds, our emotions, and our will—plays a significant role. But how often do we consider the true purpose behind their exercise? As I reflect on the teachings of Jean-Pierre de Caussade in "Abandonment to Divine Providence," I'm reminded of a profound truth: our mental and other faculties are most effective and truly useful when they are instruments of divine action. Understanding the Role of Mental Faculties Our mental faculties can be likened to powerful tools. When used rightly, they can serve great purposes, helping us understand, act, and grow in faith. However, if we rely solely on our own abilities without recognizing the primacy of divine influence, these faculties can become dangerous, leading us astray from our true purpose. During a time of personal struggle, I came to a profound realization. As a homeschooling mother of five, juggling budgeting and striving to meet our financial needs among numerou...

  In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to get caught up in our own efforts to achieve sanctity. We often think that reading the right books, performing particular rituals, or gaining a certain knowledge will lead us to spiritual perfection. But as Jean-Pierre de Caussade wisely notes, true sanctification comes not from our efforts alone but from the divine influence of God working through our daily lives. Reflecting on this, I am reminded of a time when I was struggling to find balance between my responsibilities and my spiritual life. I would spend hours reading spiritual books, trying to understand complex theories, hoping that this would bring me closer to God. Yet, despite my efforts, I often felt a sense of emptiness. It was only when I shifted my focus from seeking knowledge to simply being present in my daily tasks and accepting the divine will in each moment that I began to experience a deeper sense of peace and connection with God. De Caussade's message resonates dee...

In our quest for spiritual perfection, we often seek to understand the grand designs of God, hoping that deep knowledge will bring us closer to holiness. However, true perfection is not found in the complexity of theological theories or elaborate explanations. Instead, it lies in our faithful cooperation with God’s will and his work within our souls. From my personal experience, I've come to realize that perfection is less about grasping the intricacies of divine plans and more about simply following God’s will. I remember a time when I was deeply engrossed in understanding every nuance of spiritual teachings, thinking that this knowledge would somehow make me more holy. But as I continued to reflect on my journey, I discovered that the essence of sanctity lay in my daily actions and acceptance of God’s will, no matter how ordinary they seemed. Perfection is about cooperating with God’s work in us. Just as a sick person regains health by taking medicine, regardless of their underst...

  In the whirlwind of daily life, the path to sanctity might seem daunting, shrouded in complexities and extraordinary expectations. Yet, as I delve into the teachings of Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a profound simplicity emerges: sanctity is rooted in our faithful execution of daily duties and our acceptance of God’s will. De Caussade asserts that sanctity isn't about achieving grandiose feats or extraordinary acts. Instead, it's about the consistent practice of fidelity to the duties assigned by God, whether they are active or passive. This idea has been a cornerstone in my own journey of faith, particularly during challenging times when life felt overwhelmingly complex. For instance, as a homeschooling mom with limited resources, balancing my responsibilities while nurturing my faith has been an exercise in daily fidelity. The act of teaching my children, handling household chores, and managing financial constraints might seem mundane, yet it’s precisely in these ordinary moment...

  Finding God in the Ordinary: Lessons from Mary and the Hidden Operations of Divine Providence In our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the significance of the small, ordinary duties that fill our days. Yet, as I’ve come to realize through my own journey, these seemingly mundane tasks can be where God’s grace works most powerfully. In reflecting on the teachings of Jean-Pierre de Caussade in his work Abandonment to Divine Providence , I've found profound lessons in embracing the ordinary with humility, much like the Blessed Virgin Mary did. The Power of Ordinary Duties De Caussade beautifully describes how the duties of each moment are like shadows that hide the divine operation. He likens these moments to the angel’s words to Mary, “The power of the most High shall overshadow thee” (Lk 1:35). In this way, the seemingly small and ordinary tasks of our day—whether it’s washing dishes, caring for children, or completing work responsibilities—are not just tasks to get through. They ...

Welcome to the beginning of a journey through one of the most profound spiritual classics, Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. This work, steeped in timeless wisdom, offers a deep exploration of trust in God’s will, the peace that comes from surrendering to His guidance, and the path to true sanctity through simple fidelity to His divine order. As I delve into this book, I am excited to share with you a series of blog posts that will reflect on the key teachings of de Caussade, offering insights, personal reflections, and practical applications for our daily lives. Why This Series? In today’s fast-paced world, where anxiety and uncertainty often overshadow our daily lives, the teachings of Abandonment to Divine Providence offer a refreshing and much-needed perspective. This series aims to make these profound lessons accessible and relatable, helping us all to find peace, trust, and purpose through deeper reliance on God. What to Expect Each blog post in this ...

Fidelity to God's Will: The Path to True Sanctity In the first chapter of Abandonment to Divine Providence, Jean-Pierre de Caussade speaks profoundly about the nature of true sanctity—fidelity to the order established by God and submission to His divine will. This concept, though ancient, is as relevant today as it was in the times of the saints. As I reflect on de Caussade’s words, I’m reminded of how these principles apply in my own life and how they can resonate with anyone striving to live a life of holiness in the modern world. The Simplicity of Holiness De Caussade describes how, in the past, spirituality was simpler, with souls focusing on each moment's duty as an expression of God’s will. This simplicity resonates with me, especially in my daily life as a homeschooling mother. There are days when the chaos of raising children, managing the household, and attending to various responsibilities feels overwhelming. In these moments, I remind myself of Mary’s humble submiss...