In Whose Confidence Are You Depending?

"My confidence is placed in God who does not need our help for accomplishing his designs. Our single endeavor should be to give ourselves to the work and to be faithful to him, and not to spoil his work by our shortcomings." ~ St. Isaac Jogues

This photo is of St. Jean de Brebeuf in the garden named for him at the Shrine of the Martyrs in Midland. His outstretched arms say it all. Brebeuf and Jogues were dependent on God, giving themselves with their very blood, and were faithful to their final breaths. I have a lot to ponder in the weeks ahead as to what this Jesuit Congress has meant to me. I still have some processing of the Stephanie Staples sessions from the cruise to Alaska. The summer has been incredibly busy thus far and will continue to be so in the week ahead. I may not even be able to blog since I will be out of town and away from Internet access.

One of the amazing elements of the Congress was the people I met. Many were following in the footsteps of the martyrs with their deep faith. One of the Jesuits said to me that whenever he heard me speak, he saw light. I was deeply humbled yet moved by the comment. I want to be a light-bearer. I do not want to spoil God’s work by my shortcomings.

In the weeks ahead, I hope to begin to process the many events that occurred during the month of July. In the meantime, my prayer is that I will place my confidence in God and open my arms wide to receive the graces of these weeks with gratitude.

Peace,

Suzanne