Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 12

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     Like so many poor souls of her time, Saint Therese was afflicted with tuberculosis at a young age. Her short life was characterized by widely contrasting events ofen resulting in darkness, disappointment, aggravations,distractions and physical pain. Yet her hope in the love and mercy of Our Blessed Lord never waned. Her fervent prayers lead to the conversion of a hardened murderer, as just moments before his execution, he kissed a crucifix.

     Thank you Mrs. Rossini for this chapter, in which we learn how disappointmets and times of spiritual dryness can actually be oportunities for a deeper attachment and affection for Jesus. At these times, whenever we trust in Him without reservation, we will be recipients of an abundance of Gods's miraculous blessings, graces and peace.

Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 11

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     How spiritually crippling it can be to compare ourseves to others! Saint Therese utilized a holy sense of humor, combined with a humble wisdom to guide her novices. She taught them to embrace their weaknesses and to be willing to let God work within their souls to strengthen them. This task required much patience on her part. Imagine the patient understanding and love God has for us! He loves us exactly as He created us. He knows that we are imperfect. But part of loving God is loving what he has given to us as a means to achieving eternity with Him. He knows and loves us exactly as we are. God has a unique and perfect plan for each of us, weaknesses and all. Engaging in spiritual envy distracts us from reaping the benefits of God's unconditional love for us.

     Thank you Mrs. Rossini for this chapter, which highlights the importance of accepting ourselves as we are, and accepting each thing that happens to us as part of our Heavenly Father's perfect plan for us, which He designed to lead us to Heaven.

Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 10

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     Saint Therese faced the darkness and sorrow of her father's impending death. Our own Catholic Parish, as a family united in our Eucharistic Savior, is facing the deteriorating illness of a dear Sister. Throughout this ordeal, her face shines with a Divine and brilliant surrender to God's perfect and holy will. Even in her sufferings, she is showing us the joy and beauty of trusting in God, with absolute surrender. This holy woman continues to inspire within us daily an ever growing love for Jesus.

     I know that my own decision to study Mrs. Rossini's beautiful work at this specific time in my life was no coincidence. Praises be to the Holy Spirit!

     It is no coincidence that part of Mrs. Rossini's account of Therese's spiritual journey has to do with the writing of notes as a means of communicating. Our own beloved Sister must communicate at this time, by the writing of notes.

     Does Jesus call us to silence so that we, by virtue of a holy detachment from all that is worldly, can be free to be drawn ever closer to Him? Yes, He does! 

     Thank you Mrs. Rossini for this chapter, which delves into the miraculous presence of God during times of darkness and suffering. He uses these times to fix us more securely within is heart. Especially valuable was your personal account, which cautions us against seeking emotional gratification from our relationship with Jesus. When we depend upon "feelings" as a sign of our faith, we are vulnerable to deceptions which can actually draw us away from the True Presence of Christ in our lives as Catholics.

     As does our dear Sister throughout her illness, Saint Therese had a peace in the center of her soul throughout her time of darkness.

     Blessed be God forever!

Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 9

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     Saint Therese's trust in God was heavily tested during her father's illness and death. How do we, as Catholics, bear up under the crushing loss of a loved one? How do we deal with our greatest fears? How do we remain free of despair at the death of a loved one? Facing our fears does not mean that we will, at the moment of loss, be immune to pain. Dispelling this unrealistic expectation of ourselves, we accept the pain of sorrow trusting that God will be present to us at every moment.

     Thank you Mrs. Rossini for this chapter, which helps us to be willing to accept Gods plan, as did Therese, even when life's events invite us to despair. We need not accept this invitation. We need only to be fully willing to live in the present, knowing that Jesus always protects our souls within His tender embrace.