Let Nothing Disturb You


 These were the words I heard today after receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. These words made me think and reflect on a few things. First I thought of St Teresa of Avila, who wrote these words in a prayerful poem known as St Teresa's Bookmark. Then I thought of the martyrs we celebrate today, St Isaac Jogues, St Jean de Brebeuf and companions.These brave souls who went as Jesuit missionaries to evangelize the Native Americans knew the meaning of these words and lived them even to their deaths. In bringing the Gospel to these native people, they knew they were doing what God was asking of them, difficult though it was. On the outside everything seemed to be in chaos, but they never lost their inner peace. That peace is a gift of God's grace.
In thinking about these brave souls, I began to think about how I react to the various circumstances of my life. How often I allow my inner peace that God has given me to be shaken and taken from me. I allow so much to disturb me at times.
I often think of Jesus at times like this as well. I find myself wondering how He did it. How did He deal with the likes of the scribes and pharisees and not lose His peace? I think the answer lies in the fact that He knew who He was; not simply that He was God, but that He belonged to His Father and always did the Father's will..
I think therein lies the secret for us; the secret that the saints and martyrs knew~ we belong to God! If we live our lives in Christ in line with the Father's will for us, we will never lose that inner peace He has given each of us.
This doesn't mean that we won't ever get angry; even Jesus got angry, but for the right reasons. It means, as St Teresa's poem says: God alone suffices. At the end of the day we will know who we are and to Whom we belong.
OK~ so now I am going to begin my day and see if I can actually put this blog post into practice. May nothing disturb me; may nothing disturb you~God alone suffices!
Here is St Teresa's Bookmark
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Comments

Mary N. said…
Oddly enough, I got this same exact word yesterday :)I like it when the Lord reminds me of this! We can be aware and acknowledge the truth of what may be going on in the world because it's important to face reality but we shouldn't let these things disturb us because God is in control.
Anne said…
One of my favorite prayers! I have St. Theresa's bookmark taped to my computer at work!

Thank you for this excellent post!
Unknown said…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one ladies.
Anne- I need to put this somewhere where I can see it- especially here at work.

Mary- I agree. We need to speak out when necessary, but the troubles in the world should not disturb us; after all we know Who wins in the end.

God bless you both!
Judy Dudich said…
Amazing that you and Mary both heard this message yesterday.
These words ring true to my heart and I will try to be mindful of them this week...thank you.
GOD ALONE SUFFICES
Anonymous said…
I just recently stumbled upon your blog and I wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed perusing your posts!

God's blessings to you!
Let nothing disturb you ... inner peace. Until I hit my toe against something hard!!!

Karinann, this is a lovely post with a serious message, and it is wrong of me to make light of it. What you say is true and I regret the many times my inner peace is disturbed by the frantic pace of life and the many demands made upon us these days.

Like you, I'll try to put this Blog post into practice today. But the Lord knows for how long I'll be successful.

I can see Him shaking His head in despair right now.

God bless.
Daily Grace said…
So beautiful! I love just your reflection.
Unknown said…
Welcome Wayofsuffering. I am glad you enjoyed your time here.
Victor- a stubbed toe is no light thing, but see if you can offer it up anyway :)(Now who's making light!)
Thanks Daily Grace- glad you liked the reflection.
You are welcome, Judy and yes amazing it was that Mary and I heard these words the same day. Although I think God is telling us this constantly, but we are too disturbed by everything to hear it (at least I know I am).

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this everyone and God bless!