Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 21~Ch 7-8 (Book 3)

Welcome to Day 21 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Today, we delve into chapters 7 and 8, exploring themes of trust, surrender, and the divine workings of God. In Chapter 7, we are encouraged to embrace self-abandonment to God, where justification is found not in our words or actions, but in the divine action itself. Here, Fr. de Caussade illustrates how the soul that places itself firmly upon the rock of God’s will is shielded from trials and tribulations. He emphasizes that when we cease to cling to our own thoughts and the need for self-defense, we open ourselves to the fullness of God’s support. By allowing God’s actions to speak through us, we become vessels of His grace, unswayed by the contradictions and challenges from others. The Latin phrase "dies diei eructat verbum" encapsulates this idea, reminding us that day by day, God's Word is revealed to us, guiding the faithful in their journey. In Chapter 8, we uncover the truth that God often operates in ways that may seem counterintuitive or even lead to feelings of despair. Here, the author discusses the hiddenness of God’s grace, which can be obscured by our own efforts and perceptions. We learn that the soul must relinquish its reliance on self-initiatives, which often mask the divine reality of God’s love and support. Illustrating this concept, de Caussade compares the faithful soul to a sick man who, despite experiencing discomfort from medicine, ultimately receives healing. This analogy teaches us that our journey of faith can sometimes feel burdensome, yet it is through our acceptance of God’s will amid difficulties that we find true life and strength.