A heavenly response for the earthquakes in our hearts

Presently humanity is experiencing many earthquakes. We all know the devastation, sadness, loss, destruction and death these earthquakes are bringing about.

Our hearts are not immune either from their earthquakes. We too experience difficult moments of great desolation, sadness, grief, loss, doubts and what not. In these instances we too cry for support, aid and all kinds of assistance so as to recover from the blows we go through when our hearts are in constant tremors. The saints can be of great relief, peace, hope and strength to us. They too passed from these heart earthquakes and, thanks to God, the wisdom they obtain they lovingly share it with us. Hence, when you are going through this earthquake of stress let the saints help you by the following reflections to assist your heart in receiving God’s peace and love in these times of great anxiety.

For instance, St Benedicta of the Cross (St Edith Stein) says: Lay all your cares about the future trustingly in God’s hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child.

Then, St Francis de Sales helps us by these words: Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.’

In another reflection the same saint says: Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina tells us: Don’t spend your energies on things that generate worry, anxiety, and anguish. Only one thing is necessary: Lift up your spirit and love God. In another very famous quote Padre Pio tells us: Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.

On her part, St Catherine of Siena says: And of what should we be afraid? Our captain on this battlefield is Christ Jesus. We have discovered what we have to do. Christ has bound our enemies for us and weakened them that they cannot overcome us unless we so choose to let them. So we must fight courageously and mark ourselves with the sign of the most Holy Cross.

The great St John Baptist de La Salle encourages us when he tells us: Do not have any anxiety about the future. Leave everything in God’s hands for he will take care of you.

St Francis of Assisi reminds us: Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

St Faustina says: Oh, if only the suffering soul knew how it is loved by God, it would die of joy and excess of happiness! Some day, we will know the value of suffering, but then we will no longer be able to suffer. The present moment is ours.

On his turn, St John of the Cross counsels us: Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him.

And St Gerard Majella says: Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?

St Philip Neri offers us this help through this simple prayer: My Jesus, if you uphold me, I shall not fall.

St Gianna Molla sets us in the right direction when we feel devastated by the tremors of our heart. She tells us: The secret to happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.

Finally, Our Lady of Guadalupe reassures us: Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety, or pain. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?

Lord, thank you for these brave and committed relief workers in your Heavenly Kingdom. Keep caring for us and come to our assistance through them when we experience huge heart earthquakes. Amen.

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap