I have felt strongly urged again to give myself entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to follow His inspirations. For example, I sometimes feel urged to take the discipline during the day, and when I have been able to overcome the repugnance to the trouble of it, my soul has been filled with joy. Many other thoughts of this kind come into my mind – to rise when I wake, not to do this or that – I am certain they are from the Holy Spirit, but I resist His voice, and hence feel unhappy. In future I will say a little prayer for light and then do what I am impelled to. Just now I was sitting in an armchair fearfully tired. It cost me a big effort to undress and take the discipline, and put on chain round waist. But the result was a most marvellous increase of bodily vigour.
Father Doyle felt he would benefit more by doing more penances, and of course, was convinced that such self sacrifice was pleasing to Jesus, Who sacrificed so much for him. Most of us wouldn’t take that kind of direction in our spiritual life, and surely, God has different paths for individuals. We can learn from Father Willie that focusing on our Lord is the main point, being sure that the Lord is a living, loving Presence in our own personal lives, and totally deserves our love in return, and our attention in big and little things, even if they are not the same as what Father Doyle offered to Him. God is pleased with the genuine love we possess for Him, and even in our weakness, how we try our best to imitate Jesus in charity and all other virtues. God is good.
Father Doyle, please intercede for Will, a young man in America, whose melanoma recently spread to the brain.
All is in God’s Hand.