REFLECTIONS FROM NICOLAS NETWORK
‘I would like to suggest the prayer for our earth at the end of Laudato Si… almost any part of it. It seems to me that trust in God’s providence is closely linked with our gratitude and care for the earth.’ (Cynthia):
245. ‘God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give him our all, offers us the light and the strength needed to continue on our way. In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!’
‘I have been very aware recently that far too much of my life is taken up with trying to meet demands that I assure, ensure, or make sure that x or y either does, or doesn’t happen.
The truth is that I cannot guarantee my next heartbeat.
It is all a far cry from Jesus’ warnings against a fearful view of life, a hoarding of resources, an anxious, “What if …?”
Blessed Nicolas was utterly opposed to members of the Institute accepting any endowment that would tie them to the wishes of the donor, as such security of property, resources, provision for their old age, would mean abandoning their complete trust in God’s providence. ‘
‘Sometimes when I reflect on Nicolas Barre’s teaching on Trust in Divine Providence I am reminded of Julian of Norwich and the revelations she received which are recorded in The Revelations of Divine Love.
Julian lived in the 14th century-an era of “Black Death” (plague). There was great corruption in the church and revolt and all sorts of surrering in the world around her.
Many of you will recognize these words from chapter 32:
“The cause of all this pain is sin. But all shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.”
She said that these words were said very kindly to her and spoke of God’s forgiveness. They reassured her that Divine Love and Providence can bring good from any circumstance.
Spiritual writers say that hers is no naive idealism, but a trust divinely inspired and responded to with love. (Jo Cremin IJS and one other, sent this reflection)
‘Abandonment to Divine Providence is to believe that God knows what we need.
Trust in Divine Providence is not only for food or clothing, but above all for the spiritual life. The Lord knows what my need , moment by moment. For this reason it is necessary for me to always be in His presence,
in the present moment of each day.
Only in this way can I be in peace.’ (Tiziana IJS)