St. Jane as a mother

St. Jane as a mother

Jane’s combination of humanness and holiness can help us strengthen our souls and grow in spirituality. The more we learn and read about her the more inspired we will be by her teachings. Jane’s desire to dedicate her life completely to God as well as the fact that she did this. while raising a family and managing her estates for her children’s benefit, shows the character which makes her the ultimate role model for each of us. Faithfulness and confidence in God give us strength in our daily lives. They enable us to remember why we are on this earth and prompt us to think always of God’s providential plans for us. This attitude keeps its on track. When we stumble and fall, it is faith and hope that help us get up again. Jane followed God’s will without question. Faithfulness to God was most important to her because she was convinced that all things come from God. Her faith was the secret of her strength.

And these words of Francis were among the treasures found in Jane’s Book of Rules which she always carried in her pocket:

Our Lord loves you, my dear Mother, He wants you to be all his; let no other arm now carry you, may his providence alone be your rest. Do not look elsewhere, let your spirit dwell in him alone… not in friendship, nor in the union God gave us, nor in your children, your own heart, your own soul or anything else whatever, for you have given all to God. And now, whatever you have to do, do it, not because you want to do it, but only because God wills it.

Reflection questions:

  1. How can we discern God’s will for us?
  2. Is your faith your strength?
  3. Have you ever been helpless and weak before God? How have you grown because of this?

APPLICATION

Scripture

You are the Lord, You alone; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. To all of them you give life and the hosts of heaven worship you. (Nehemiah 9:6)

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens and he rules over the whole creation. (Psalm 103:19)

Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. Do not be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10: 29-31)

Jane’s Words

My dear Sister, God’s plans for you are so wonderful! Even though his ways are painful in nature, I am sure you will experience them as sweeter than honey in the depths of your heart.

My dear Sisters, our self-sufficiency and capabilities are partial and weak if they are not sustained and guided by God who is the source of all the good we can ever accomplish.

Listen, my Daughters, to what the divine Master says to us: Unless you become as little children you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. O lesson of innocence, of simplicity, of openness, of good faith, of artlessness, of perfect submission, and truat. What do you say, Lord? Unless we become as little children. Do we weigh its import, its gravity?