DAY TWELVE
In the pain and suffering which is a part of this life on earth, we are so consumed by the immediacy of our troubles that we find it hard to step back and assess our difficulties with objectivity and a far perspective. This prayer of St Teresa touches me deeply, telling me not to be myopic and so focused on these earthly problems, however large they seem to loom. I should rather focus my attention on that union with God that will transform my life beyond recognition and make everything else pale in comparison. Then I can see all the problems of the world from a unique vantage point of fearless joy and unshakeable peace. Without this union, I am truly lost and out of tune with my true self. With this union, I do not question the circumstances of my life. Bharti
PRAYER:Â May God let you taste
the incredible joy of complete union.
Nothing the world can give us —
not possessions, not riches, not delights, or honors not
great feasts or festivals —-
can match the happiness of a single moment
spent by a soul totally united to God.
Nor can any earthly pain or suffering,
any effort or striving on our part,
earn such a loving touch,
so complete a union,
an experience of love so profound.
We cannot in fact earn a single hour
of the satisfaction, joy and delight
that God can bring to our soul.
‘All the trials of the world,’ says St Paul,
‘are not worthy to be compared
with the glory for which we hope.’
MANTRA:Â What am I without you, Lord?
EVENING PRAYER: Â With St Augustine, I pray fervently:
‘Give me what you have chosen for me,
and bring about in me what you desire for me.’
For what am I without you?
What am I worth if I am not near you?
If ever I should stray from you,
even a short distance,
how would I ever find myself?
But if I have you, God,
I will want for nothing.
You alone suffice.