“O Jesus, what darkness is enveloping me and what nothingness is penetrating me. But, my Jesus, do not leave me alone; grant me the grace of faithfulness. Although I cannot penetrate the mystery of God’s visitation, it is in my power to say: Your will be done.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1237
St. Faustina and many other great saints entered into a unique spiritual darkness, defined by St. John of the Cross as the “Dark Night of the Soul” and the “Dark Night of the Spirit.” At some point in our walk along The Road of Faith, we all will experience a certain “darkness” of one form or another. Our darkness may not be the result of the extraordinary purification of the soul that takes place on the journey toward perfection, but our response must be the same.
No matter what we go through in life, when challenges arise we must speak the words spoken by the great saints, “Thy Will be done!” Holiness is all about doing the Will of God despite any confusion or apparent obstacle in our lives.
I call my experience my ‘dark night’, does it reach the level of St. John of the Cross ‘Dark Night’, I don’t know. But for me, it was a time of extreme purification. I journeyed from distrust and fear to a place of peace in my soul in which I can live more “Jesus, I trust in You” and “Thy Will be done.” Too many years and prayers ended with ‘Thy Will be done” more as a tagline or PS then as an exclamation point.
Reflect upon the level of conviction you pray that prayer, “Thy Will be done!” Do you mean this? Can you say it with all the powers of your mind, will and soul? Have you chosen the Will of God above everything else in life?
Embracing the Will of God in times of trial is especially fruitful for a life of faith. When temptations set in, especially temptations toward despair, you must reaffirm your commitment to God’s perfect Will.
Reflect upon this holy act today. Say those words and mean them as completely as you can. Nothing in life should ever deter you from making this your daily prayer.
“Thy Will be done”
“Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Luke 22:42