Day 21- Living in the Present

"When we yield to discouragement or despair, it is usually because we think too much about the past and the future." 

 ~ St. Therese

Preparatory Prayer:

Dear St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, I thank the Most Holy Trinity for all the graces lavished upon you, and through you upon the world.  I have great confidence in your intercession, both because of your power in Heaven, since you yourself said that "God would refuse you nothing," and because of your goodness and your promise that "no one would invoke you without receiving answer, since you would "spend your Heaven in doing good upon earth" and "let fall from Heaven a shower of roses."  Intercede for me with the loving Hearts of Jesus and Mary, that the Holy Spirit may assist me to understand your teaching on "Joy in Suffering" and may grant me the gift of fortitude, that fired with a burning love of God and souls, I may eagerly follow you in joyous suffering and share in your glorious triumph.  I promise to show my heartfelt gratitude by doing whatever I can to promote your honor and to make you ever more widely known and loved throughout the world, for the greater glory of the Most Holy Trinity.  Amen.

Reflection:

St. Therese knew that God gives us sufficient grace to persevere through the present moment, no more and no less.  She always was sure to not worry herself with anticipating what would come because she knew she did not yet have the graces she needed for the future.  St. Therese lived in peace, even in her trials, because she only lived in the present moment- where Jesus was with her.  

She wrote this beautiful poem titled "My Song of Today"

What matters it, O Lord, if dare the future hover?

One prayer for it tomorrow- oh no, I cannot say;

My heart untouched preserve-and with They shadow cover,

If only for today!

If I dream of the morrow, my changeful thought affrights me,

My heart, inconstant, mourns and wearies of the way;

I long, my God, that pain and trial to Thee unite me,

If only for today!

Prayer:

Dear St. Therese, I desire to live only in the present moment, where the grace of God is sufficient, like you did!  Help me to not waste my time worrying about what may come or what has passed, but live with Jesus close to me in the present.  In this way, I hope to be full  of peace and joy, even in my trials, for I will have God's grace in abundance!

I also recommend to you my special intentions in this Novena (Specify your intentions.)  To one who has suffered so much for Him, God will refuse nothing.

Our Father....  Hail Mary....  Glory Be....