Get Over Yourself

Normally, we would consider abandonment a bad thing. We often hear of the young, the old or the sick being abandoned. Even Jesus felt abandoned as he faced crucifixion. Sometimes, we feel abandoned by our friends, co-workers or family members. I have had times where I felt I had no one to turn to, that no one cared about me. 

I have also had many times when we felt that many people went out of there way to help me and be there for me. Just last week when I was feeling kind of low and attacked by the devil, some friends noticed and immediately wanted to pray over me. Usually, it is not that people don't care, it is just that most of them are so busy carrying their own crosses that they are unable to realize what is going on around them. 

My challenge for myself is to be extra sensitive to noticing the crosses of others and to be ready to be their Simon. Chances are my cross will shrink away in nearly nothing when I do this. I have found the prayer below to be a great way to help me to focus on the others and the mission of Jesus Christ.

Prayer of Abandonment

Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.

Charles de Foucald