Lesson 4 – Painful lack

My child, make the resolution never to rely on people (Diary, 1487).

When the sufferings concerning ourselves and the temptations that have hidden us from the true image of God have already been discovered, the most obvious remains to be revealed. Sister Faustina declares in short: I am rejected and rejected from people, especially from those on whom I had the right to count, in times of greatest need (Diary, 1487). Such a simple complaint that each of us could sign each day. Despite its simplicity, however, it remains a pain and can not be easily alleviated. It is different if someone from telemarketing has not called us for a week, and someone else is missing a call from a son or daughter. We have the right to count on our relatives.

By revealing her sufferings, Sister Faustina knows that she is directing it to a person who knows these difficult experiences. Jesus also counted on the prayer and closeness of the disciples in Gethsemane. That is why he answers with understanding: . I realize how painful it is not to be  understood, and especially by those whom one loves and with whom one has been very open. But suffice it to know that I understand all your troubles and misery (…). Learn from this that no one will understand a soul entirely – that is beyond human ability. Therefore, I have remained on earth to comfort your aching heart and to fortify your soul, so that you will not falter on the way (Diary, 1487). Jesus points to the path of faith which is difficult, because it is different to feel that we are supported by the arm of a friend, and to believe that we are supported by the omnipotence of God. And although these arms differ very much in power, our nature is sought to seek help from people, not from God. Therefore, this wound of mistrust must be alleviated by a merciful God. And although sometimes it may seem that our doctor does it without anesthesia – and it seems to us that we have the right to deep anesthesia – we have to trust him. After a short “spiritual convalescence” Sister Faustina could make a note: In the greatest torments of soul I am always alone, but no – not alone, for I am with You, Jesus; but here I am speaking about [other] people. None of them understands my heart, but this does not surprise me anymore, whereas I used to be surprised when my intentions were condemned and wrongly interpreted; no, this does not surprise me now at all. People do not know how to perceive the soul. They see the body, and they judge according to the body. But as distant as heaven is from earth, so distant are God’s thoughts from our thoughts (Diary, 1445).

Sr. Anna Maria Trzcińska ZMBM

Lesson 5