Oct 10 2008
Determination
From Seeking Spiritual Direction by Fr. Thomas Dubay:
Most of us assume that world-class excellence in music, scholarship, or sports is due mainly to extraordinary talent, but studies of the question find that while talent does play a part, the chief factor is drive and determination. So it is with sanctity. Saints are not born saints. They do not have a superior human nature. They are as weak and wounded as the rest of us. The difference lies in their resolution. Men and women on fire do not simply admire holiness or merely wish it were so. They make up their minds to take the Lord at his word and with no dilution of his message. Am I as determined in my pursuit of God as the worldly are in seeking prestige and power, fame and fortune?
To kind of paraphrase a Bible verse: “Lord I am determined. Help my hesitancy!”
Hello.
I read your blog regularly, but haven’t commented so far. This post, however, is so apt for my situation that I couldn’t resist commenting.
But first, please continue your excellent work on this apostolate. You have my support in prayers.
Back to the topic, suppose one goes through a period in life when he has absolutely no determination to do anything at all, even to pray, or do his duty of his state of life,(both of which he did very enthusiastically not so long ago) but only fear, confusion, and hesitancy fill his mind, what would you recommend one do during this period?
This is probably a stupid question, but I would really value your opinion on this. Thanks.
Yours in Christ,
Innocent
Hi Innocent,
Thanks for reading and the comment — but more importantly, thank you for the prayers!
You’re question is so important that I’ve decided to make a blog post out of it. It’ll be up shortly.
Also, I don’t know why your post was held for “moderation.” Looking into that, though.
God bless.