St Faustina has always been challenging for me. Whereas St Francis of Assisi seemed like the guy I'd love to have a beer with and chat while building something or petting a dog. St Faustina on the other hand is that type where back when I was more "worldly", I'd hide my drinks and smokes from the sightline, as to not catch a critical glare. She scares the hell out of me, not out of fear of injury, but out of guilt. Honestly, she's the type that I could hear whispering in my ear, "Chris, you know what's right, now let your conscience be your guide." Dang it sister, that's far more harsh than just telling us the way it is, I'd rather have an enraged woman yelling at me than the calm demeanor of her. Seriously, look at pictures of her, those eyes could cut through a steel, in reality that gaze cuts through my veneer of BS.
Saint Faustina, was a Polish nun and mystic in the early 20th century. She is known for her diary, which recounts her visions and conversations with Jesus Christ. Through these mystical experiences, she received the message of Divine Mercy, emphasizing God’s boundless love and forgiveness. The phrase "Jesus, I Trust in You" became the fulcrum of this Divine Mercy, and it’s a phrase that has given solace and hope to millions. So impactful is it, that Pope JPII declared the Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday. On a side note, as a kid, the Sunday after Easter was always my Dad's favorite because it contained the story of Thomas, an easily relatable figure for him.
You know, I find it easy to comprehend life lounging around in a chair, maybe having a cold drink or two or more. And when I get myself into this pseudo-intellectual state, my philosophical thoughts on life can range from existential to hedonistic, undeniably I'll find a blend of whimsy and wisdom, only appropriate for us inappropriate. It's this fascinating dichotomy that reminds me of the profound impact of the phrase "Jesus, I Trust in You."
For parrotheads, NDNs, and latinos, the concept of "island time", "Indian time" and "mañana", is a state of mind where the rush and urgency of daily life are set aside for a focus on the here and now. Similarly, trusting in a higher power, as encapsulated by Saint Faustina's famous phrase, can bring a profound sense of peace. Just like mañana lets us relish each sip of a cool drink, saying "Jesus, I Trust in You" anchors us in a moment of divine trust that lets us breathe, let go, and simply be.
Life isn’t always a party. It comes with its share of hurricanes—both meteorological and metaphorical. Saint Faustina's writing about weathering spiritual and emotional tempests, the essence is the same: a calm center can be found if we look for it. "Jesus, I Trust in You" serves as a spiritual anchor, holding steadfast amidst the waves of doubt, anxiety, and turmoil.
At first glance, the world of a devout Catholic saint and that of Parrothead might seem an ocean apart. But the closer we look, the more we see that they both offer paths to personal solace and universal love. Saint Faustina offers a spiritual sojourn to anyone willing to utter a simple phrase in a moment of need. The real challange is the words are so easy to say with the mouth, but oh so difficult with the heart. Each time I say it, I hear a little voice echo back, "Yeah, but do you really? Do you really trust in me?" Ugh... man it'd be so much easier if I didn't have a conscience... (Just kidding Lord).
Anyways as we bumble our way through life, balancing earthly pleasures with a thirst for something greater, the teachings of Saint Faustina—especially the transformative power of the phrase "Jesus, I Trust in You"—offers a nautical chart for the soul. It reminds us that even in the most turbulent of waters, a guiding principle can keep us steady. So, the next time your caught in a reflective moment while watching the sunset, remember that life’s complexities can often be navigated with simple truths, no matter the latitude.
Jesus I Trust in You
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