God Speaking Through Events

by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ (1675-1751)

You speak, Lord, to us in general through general events. Revolutions are simply the tides of your Providence, which stir up storms and tempests in people’s minds. You speak to us in particular through particular events, as they occur moment by moment. But instead of hearing your voice, instead of respecting events as signals of your loving guidance, people see nothing else but blind chance and human decision. They find objections to everything you say. They wish to add or to subtract from your Word. They wish to change and reform it. Teach me, dear Lord, to read clearly this book of life. I wish to be like a simple child, accepting your word regardless of whether I understand your purposes. It is enough for me that you speak. Amen.