Day 20 – Let Freedom Ring: Freedom from Lack of Trust in Divine Providence

Recently, in the past few years, I lost four priests who were near and dear in my life: my uncle and Godfather (the inspiration for my priesthood), my spiritual director, my bishop, and my best friend. These four priests were more than just brothers in Christ, they were my lifeblood. In the midst of the many challenges of life, especially those unique to priesthood, these men were kindred spirits to me. Not only did we recognize, together, the M.O. (Method of Operation) of Satan in today’s world, but we were all in agreement as to the ways God was calling all of us, especially priests, to engage in a counter-offensive against the tactics of the devil.

By and large, we all knew it was incumbent upon us to do all we could to speak the truth, open and honestly, but to do so in the most loving way possible. The devil is trying to devour the faithful with his lies, and we all knew it, and we were all passionate about calling the devil out and leading the faithful to truth. More than anything, as shepherds, we all knew we were called, especially during the time we now live, to do all we could to assist the flock in coming to the place where they cry out, “My Lord and my God!”

Of course, the devil hates, more than anything, “truth and reverence.” Therefore, Satan works especially hard to destroy anyone who dares to thwart the devil’s plan to mislead and confuse souls, as he works diligently to deaden the hearts of the faithful. If we get in his way, he will get busy to take us out. In many respects, this is why religious leaders recoil in their call to administer truth and reverence. They have come to understand just how vicious the devil can be, if we dare “go there.”

I recall when Bishop Morlino first arrived in our diocese, with his passion for “truth and reverence.” The assaults on him, especially from those who held the levers of power and influence, were ferociously vicious. This did not deter this courageous bishop in any way. During this time, or whenever the attacks were turned on me, we stuck together in brotherly love.

So many times, I have been tempted to lose trust in God’s Providence. I mean, here I am, alone on the battlefield, I felt. My four closest “battle buddies” are no longer here. Not only do I miss them, but I feel like I could now be “easy pickins” for the devil to swoop in and take me out, without the security of knowing my battle buddies are right there, ready to, in essence, call out, “I got your six” (I got your back).

I share this just to say that I can relate to all those who face devastating challenges in their lives. Yes, I can relate to those who are tempted to lose their trust in God’s providence. Sometimes, we want to just say, “What the heck, God?!”

But, I didn’t say that. Instead, by God’s grace, my hope has deepened during this challenging time. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1817).

In my case, having lost my battle buddies, I’m thinking about the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness more than ever before. While my battle buddies are no longer here to support me, in the flesh, my relationship with them has only deepened, as I know they “Got My Six” in an even more powerful way. They are my prayer warriors, now! For example, I know we got a new amazing bishop, when it seemed inevitable we would not, only because Bishop Morlino interceded for us.

As we all know, we are all facing challenges that are historic. How easy, and seemingly justifiable, it would be easy for all of us to despair, as we lose our trust in God’s providence. I choose not to, and I pray it is the same with you. Instead, my prayer has become even more fervent, my resolve to enter the fray against the devil’s schemes has become more intensified, and my confidence in the power of God, versus my own power, has become stronger than ever.

I’ve come to understand that sticking with God, believing and trusting in His providence in challenging times, is a lot like “resistance training” (lifting weights). With the power of God’s grace, we “press against” these challenges, and our faith, hope and love become even stronger. We must trust in God’s providence during these storms of our lives, and know He will carry us safely to shore. And know that, ultimately, heaven is going to be amazing!

Prayer of Reparation

My Lord and my God,
We have allowed the temptation of the devil to move our hearts to not see fulfillment in Your goodness.
We have still our tongues in the face of evil.
We have been too weak to stand against the temptation to lose our trust in Your providence.
We have expected You to remove the challenges in our life, and so we have readily doubted You when difficulties enter in.
We have, at times, been a source of scandal for those searching through our sinfulness and lack of trust in You.
In our fear, we have allowed the ancient foe to advance.
We turn to You Lord, in our sorrow and guilt, and beg Your forgiveness for our lack of trust in Your providence.
We beg for the grace of Your goodness to build up within us what You sought to build up in Your apostles in that tempest tossed boat.
We know, Lord, if You will it, it will be done.
Trusting in You, we offer our prayer to You who live and reign forever.
Amen.

Prayer of Exorcism

Lord God of Heaven and Earth,
In Your power and goodness, You created all things.
You set a path for us to walk on and a way to an eternal relationship.
By the strength of Your arm and Word of Your mouth
Cast from Your Holy Church every fearful deceit of the Devil
Drive from us manifestations of the demonic that oppress us and beckon us to lack of trust in Your providence.
Still the lying tongue of the devil and his forces so that we may act freely and faithfully to Your will.
Send Your holy angels to cast out all influence that the demonic entities in charge of doubt have planted in Your Church.
Free us, our families, our parish, our diocese, and our country from all trickery and deceit perpetrated by the Devil and his hellish legions.
Trusting in Your goodness Lord,
We know if You will it, it will be done in unity with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever.
Amen.