We sometimes get the false impression that the saints hovered a few inches off the ground in their earthly life, surrounded by a heavenly glow, caught up in a constant ecstasy of prayer. The truth is, most saints rolled up their sleeves and got down to the nitty gritty business of living in a complicated and busy world.
Just like us.
Each day we are called not to run from the world, but to engage it more deeply. This is the particular call of the laity–to be leaven for the world. To raise up the world from within by witnessing to the Gospel. It’s not easy, especially in the midst of arguably the most complex era in human history. From smartphones to headphones, our attention is constantly being diverted from noticing God’s presence in each day.
Tomorrow we remember the life of St. Teresa of Avila, one of the busiest saints in Catholic history. St. Teresa was a mystic, a religious reformer, and a writer. What was her key to handling the busyness of life? It wasn’t David Allen’s Getting Things Done, nor was it to simply run away to a monastery and escape the world. The key for her–as it was for all the saints–was prayer.
If you’re bogged down and dog tired by the chaos of a busy life, take heart from the example of St. Teresa of Avila. Maybe her prayer will give you the words you need the next time you turn to our loving God:
How is it God, that you have given me this hectic busy life when I have so little time to enjoy your presence? Throughout the day people are waiting to speak with me, and even at meals I have to continue talking to people about their needs and problems. During sleep itself I am still thinking and dreaming about the multitude of concerns that surround me. I do all this not for my own sake, but for yours.
To me my present pattern of life is a torment; I only hope that for you it is truly a sacrifice of love. I know that you are constantly beside me, yet I am usually so busy that I ignore you. If you want me to remain so busy, please force me to think about and love you even in the midst of such hectic activity. If you do not want me so busy, please release me from it, showing others how they can take over my responsibilities.
This is very cool. I need this big time. I’ll say it tomorrow!
Thank you for recognizing St. Teresa of Avila in honor of her feast day. She’s one of my favorite saints, but I hadn’t heard that prayer of hers before now. It’s definitely a relevant one even today!