| St. Jane’s “Anguish of Spirit” |
,August 12 is the feast day of St. Jane de Chantal, the co-founder, along with St. Francis de Sales, of the Visitation Order. In honor of this day, we want to share and reflect upon a letter written by St. Jane to St. Francis. This lesser-known letter gives insight into the real struggles on her path to sainthood.There is a well-written summary of the life of St. Jane, and why she may have felt anguished, on GoodCatholic.com. To prepare for our chat on Sunday, please read the article, which is reproduced below, and review the questions at the end. Click for Living Jesus Chatroom  Noël Hallé: Saint Francis de Sales giving Saint Jeanne de Chantal the rule of the Order of the Visitation (Public Domain)I write because I cannot refrain from doing so; for this morning I am more wearisome to myself than usual. My interior state is so gravely defective that, in anguish of spirit, I see myself giving way on every side. Assuredly, my good Father, I am almost overwhelmed by this abyss of misery. The presence of God, which was formerly such a delight to me, now makes me tremble all over and shudder with fear. I bethink myself that the divine eye of Him whom I adore, with entire submission, pierces right through my soul looking with indignation upon all my thoughts, words and works. Death itself, it seems to me, would be less painful to bear than the distress of mind which this occasions, and I feel as if all things had power to harm me. I am afraid of everything; I live in dread, not because of harm to myself, but because I fear to displease God. Oh, how far away His help seems! Thinking of this I spent last night in great bitterness and could utter no other words than these, “My God, my God, alas! why hast Thou forsaken me.” At daybreak God gave me a little light in the highest part of my soul, yet only there; but it was almost imperceptible; nor did the rest of my soul and its faculties share the enjoyment, which lasted only about the time of half a Hail Mary, then, trouble rushed back upon me with a mighty force, and all was darkness. Notwithstanding the weariness of this dereliction, I said, though in utter dryness, “Do, Lord, whatever is pleasing to Thee, I wish it. Annihilate me, I am content. Overwhelm me, I most sincerely desire it. Tear out, cut, burn, do just as Thou pleasest, I am Thine.” God has shown me that He does not make much account of faith that comes of sentiment and emotions. This is why, though against my inclination, I never wish for [felt] devotion. I do not desire it. God is enough for me.Notwithstanding my absolute misery I hope in Him, and I trust He will continue to support me so that His will may be accomplished in me. Take my feeble heart into your hands, my true Father and Lord, and do what you see to be wisest with it. Reflections:What can we do when we feel like all is lost and we’re just breaking at the seams?How can the presence of God make us tremble and shutter with fear?Do you think St. Jane is being scrupulous in this letter? Or is there something deeper going on?Do you think St. Jane was going through a dark night of the soul, or do you think it was possible she was suffering from depression, or both?How in the midst of such utter darkness can we exhibit the faith that St. Jane showed by still praying to accept whatever it is that God wants us to endure?Is it wrong in our faith to expect/desire consolation and joy? How can we be a witness to Christ going through immense struggles?Why do you think St. Jane was writing this letter to her spiritual director? Just to complain? What was she asking from him? Sign up for our Living Jesus Chat Room:Come to our Living Jesus Chat Room, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time U.S. this Sunday |