By Bro. Mickey O'Neill McGrath
We continue with the exploration of discernment for our vocation, and with that I share one of my favorite prayers for our contemplation this week. It has long been a trusted prayer I reference at the turning points in my life. It calls me back to center, to calm, to trust that God is in it all with me as I become more authentically who God created me to be.
Blessings!
Elizabeth Eilers Sullivan, Visitation Alumna
Trust in the Slow Work of God
by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 1881-1955, Jesuit, Paleontologist, Biologist, Philosopher, and Visionary
Above all, trust in the slow work of God
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability-
and that it may take a very long time. And so I think it is with you.
your ideas mature gradually – let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow. Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
beth, where exactly can i find that quote from francis de sales…..be who you are????suzanne
“In suspense and incomplete!”
Yes! Think of it, my life, our lives, as a movie. A thriller. An amazing drama. A riotous comedy. Something that keeps us rapt, and yet, patient. Please?
Amen!
Sister Suzanne, We must ask my blood sister, Anne, she knows the exact source. I do not. At least I think she does. Do you have her email at Vis, or do you want me to do it. And yes, we both love Natalie Goldberg’s work…she is stunning, fun to read your comment from last week.
Melissa, yes a drama unfolding a thriller you name it life is amazing and our capacity to respond, create, and grow a gift!
love,
B
Or, Brian Mogren should be able to tell you, as his web site got its name from that quote . . . I love it too!
I wish Brian Mogren could provide the source! Thanks for thinking of me, Meagan. Actually, Suzanne is on a mission for me in finding the source and the writing that surrounds it to gain better understand of what Francis meant when he said this lovely phrase that rings so true and deep for so many of us.
Does this quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin ever resonate with me! Being in the moment, the mess (at times) and uncertainty, trusting God’s process. Its all “turning out”. This takes great courage and faith, and the rewards are worth it!
Thanks Kim Jakus for sharing this reflection with the centering prayer group this morning at St. Jane House. It is good to be in such great company on this mysterious and wonderful journey of faith that we are all walking…
Brian, glad you like the prayer, and I have inquired with my sister, Anne, who I believe knows FDS’ quote’s origins. I am not sure if Anne has responded yet to Sr Suzanne. Let me know if your source is still pending.
Glad Kim bought the prayer to Centering Prayer, would love to make it some Tuesday am!