Sacrifice: The Foundation of Sanctity

 

In Chapter Two of Abandonment to Divine Providence, Jean-Pierre de Caussade beautifully outlines a principle that resonates with anyone on the journey to holiness: the idea of sacrifice as the foundation of sanctity. For those called to the path of abandonment, the first duty is the complete surrender of oneself to God’s will, with a heart so devoted that nothing matters more than aligning with His desires. This kind of sacrifice is challenging, but it’s also freeing, offering peace in knowing that God’s will is perfect.

The Latin phrase “Sacrificate sacrificium, et sperate in Domino”, meaning "Offer sacrifice, and hope in the Lord," serves as a cornerstone in this teaching. It emphasizes that the spiritual life begins with the act of surrender, much like offering oneself as a precious gift, wholly devoted to the Creator. The soul's happiness and sanctity depend on this foundation—letting go of control and allowing God's plan to unfold in every aspect of life.

A Personal Journey Toward Abandonment

I remember a time when this lesson struck me deeply. My family had faced a series of challenges, especially financial burdens that seemed insurmountable. My first instinct was to fix everything myself, to search for quick solutions. But every effort only left me more anxious and frustrated. It felt as if I was running in circles, unable to break free from the worry that consumed me.

It was during one particularly difficult week that I came across de Caussade’s writings. The notion of abandonment to God’s will was not new to me, but in that moment, it felt revolutionary. I realized that the weight of the world was never mine to carry alone. The act of sacrificing my control and trusting God’s plan brought me a peace I had long craved.

Much like de Caussade describes, this surrender didn’t mean I became passive or indifferent to my responsibilities. Instead, I found a renewed sense of purpose in fulfilling my duties with love, knowing that God’s will was unfolding through them. When difficulties arose—whether financial setbacks, misunderstandings, or moments of self-doubt—I reminded myself that these, too, were part of God’s divine plan for my growth.

Abandoning Self-Will for God’s Will

De Caussade explains that once the soul lays down the foundation of abandonment, the individual is no longer concerned with what happens to them, but rather with God's good pleasure in all things. This doesn't mean ignoring the difficulties of life, but rather embracing them as opportunities to align with God's will. The trials we face become like the stones that a builder uses in constructing a magnificent structure—they are necessary for shaping the soul.

In my own life, I have seen how God uses both joy and sorrow to shape me into the person He wants me to become. There have been times of great consolation—moments when everything seems to fall into place. And then, there have been seasons of aridity, where prayer feels dry and life feels overwhelming. Yet, in both seasons, the call is the same: to trust and to abandon myself completely to God's will.

De Caussade encourages us to see everything—whether joy or suffering—as coming from God’s hand. He urges us to live not in the lower regions of our emotions, but in the higher regions of the soul, where God's will is eternal and unchanging. This perspective helps me when I feel overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life. Whether it’s managing household duties, caring for my children, or struggling with personal frustrations, I can now remind myself that God’s hand is at work, even when I can’t see it clearly.

The Freedom Found in Surrender

One of the most liberating aspects of abandonment is the freedom it brings from anxiety and self-reflection. De Caussade warns against getting lost in "a crowd of anxious reflections," which only serve to lead us astray. Instead, he encourages us to leap over the labyrinth of self-love, soaring like an eagle above the clouds. This imagery resonates deeply with me. When I find myself bogged down by worries, I now try to picture that eagle—gliding effortlessly, with its eyes fixed on the sun.

This is not to say that I have perfected this practice. Like anyone, I struggle. There are days when the weight of responsibilities feels crushing, and it's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking or worrying about the future. But the beauty of de Caussade’s message is that even in our imperfections, God’s grace is at work. The process of surrender is ongoing, and each small act of trust builds upon the last.

Practical Ways to Embrace Abandonment

• Daily Surrender: Each morning, I begin by offering my day to God. This small act of surrender sets the tone, reminding me that whatever happens—whether planned or unexpected—is part of His will.

• Fulfilling Duties with Love: Instead of seeing daily chores and responsibilities as burdens, I now view them as opportunities to serve God. Whether it's homeschooling my children or managing household tasks, these are my pathways to sanctity.

• Trusting in Uncertainty: When the future feels uncertain, instead of spiraling into worry, I remind myself that God’s plans are greater than my own. His will is unfolding, even when I can’t see it.

Encouragement for Ordinary Souls

Abandoning oneself to God’s will is not a call reserved for saints or mystics—it is for each one of us, no matter our state in life. It’s about trusting that God’s hand is in everything, from the smallest tasks to the greatest trials. This path of surrender leads to true freedom, peace, and, ultimately, sanctity.

As de Caussade so beautifully reminds us, “Since God wishes to do all for us, let us place everything in his hands once and for all.” When we do this, we find that the storms of life no longer have the power to shake us. We are anchored in the firm foundation of God’s will, and in that foundation, we find our true happiness.