It was precisely in that gray area of “not knowing” that they found their deepest peace in Christ and the promise of eternal life.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus “asks for childlike abandonment to the providence of our heavenly Father who takes care of his children’s smallest needs” (305). This is an invitation to place our worries, our plans and our very lives into the hands of a Father who already knows what we need before we ask.

This is the same trust St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose feast we celebrate this month, discovered in her “Little Way.” This beautiful child of God sought only to love the Lord faithfully in the present moment, confident that his grace was sufficient for whatever the day would bring. Even when faced with the death of her mother, direct confrontations with an elderly nun and then agony of tuberculosis, her abandonment was the source of her peace, the fruit of a heart that achieved a nearly perfect resignation to the Divine Will.

October invites us to enter into this same trust in a special way through the rosary prayer. Shielded by the mantle of the Mother of God, who advocates for us in every tribulation, we are encouraged to follow her example of humility and to say “yes” at a moment’s notice. With each Hail Mary, surrender your innermost thoughts, joys and sufferings as a small tribute to God’s infinite majesty. The fear of the unknown will give way to trust in Christ and his Holy Family. 

The only certainty we can have is that we will one day come face to face with our Creator. Let us endeavor every moment to make him smile and, with childlike abandonment, discover the peace that casts out all fear.

“If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient; but I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux).

In Christ’s love,

Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS

Bishop of Charleston