God heals us when it pleases Him.
Posted by Terry Nelson on Sep 10th, 2007
From today’s meditation in Magnificat:
Your letter has reminded me of that saying of Fenelon’s: ”We begin thoroughly to know and feel spiritual wretchedness only when we start to leave it behind.” Accordingly, it is a very good sign if we feel ourselves wretched through and through, provided that the feeling is free from voluntary disquietude and accompanied by complete interior resignation. - De Caussade
September 10th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Hey Terry would you elaborate on “voluntary disquietude” more .. thanks
September 10th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I’m not sure I can Paula.
September 10th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I think I understand a little of what is meant by “voluntary disquietude” because there have been times when I have inflicted it on myself. It is refusing to let go of something and put it in God’s hands. It is picking at a spiritual scab until you just make matters worse, especially wallowing in self-pity or carefully nurtured resentment. At least that’s my take on it.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Melody, I believe your explanation is correct. Thanks.
September 10th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
I think God heals us when He knows it’ll take.
(Voluntary disquietude? I think that was my first husband’s name. Heh..)
I think perhaps de Caussade is cautioning us against scrupling?
September 11th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I found that post very consoling Terry, thank you. I indeed do feel very wretched at all times and I believe that is how I am supposed to feel because it is the truth.