THEY ENTRUST THEIR HEALTH – AS ALL OF US HAVE DONE AND ALL OF US SHOULD DO – TO THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD WHO GOVERNS US

Father Viala was unhappy in Limoges and blamed it on the climate affecting his health. His presence, however, was necessary for the success of the new mission and thus Eugene encouraged him by telling him why it was important to remain there.

In God’s name, my dear Father, calm your state of mind with the help of supernatural thoughts. What should we seek on this earth? to do God’s will. The secret of our happiness lies in conforming our will with his; if our will is grudging, we risk losing the merit of our obedience; at least we deprive ourselves of the consolations that always accompany our submission.

Reflect that several of our brothers have given up everything and crossed the seas to obey this divine will which was expressed to them through the very superiors who are keeping you in your present placement. Those among them who sleep on snow, who drag themselves over ice, who have nothing but a little bread for their food, and on lucky days, a piece of fat to rub on it, do not complain about their lot, and they entrust their health – as all of us have done and all of us should do – to the Providence of God who governs us.

Letter to Fr. Jean Viala at Limoges, 21 June 1848, EO X n 979

REFLECTION

“Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will.  All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will.  Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.” (St Ignatius of Loyola)