One day, Father Alvarez, finding himself overwhelmed with…
““One day, Father Alvarez, finding himself overwhelmed with business, was anxious to get rid of it, in order to go and pray, because it seemed to him that during that time he was not with God; but our Lord then said to him: "Though I do not keep thee with Me, let it suffice thee that I make use of thee." 14 This is a profitable lesson for those who are sometimes disturbed at being obliged, by obedience or by charity, to leave their accustomed devotions; let them be assured that such disturbances on like occasions do not come from God, but either from the devil or from self-love. "Give pleasure to God, and die." This is the grand maxim of the Saints.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
God may use even our worldly duties for divine purpose, urging trust that challenges are not from Him but from ego or temptation.
In simple terms: God can work through our work; challenges aren’t always divine.
Key Takeaway
Trust that difficulties can serve a higher purpose.
Themes
faith
obligation
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
spiritual
didactic
When to use this quote
- business stress
- prayer life
- charitable service
- personal crisis
Key Concepts
theodicy
divine providence
self‑examination
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you tell if a struggle is a test or a temptation?
- What role does humility play in accepting duties?
A Different Perspective
It may be hard to discern whether a disturbance is truly from God or internal.