By Sister Juana Teresa, O.C.D.
The greatest example of someone who is totally given is, of course, Jesus, for He Himself said, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). Our Lord’s life was a life totally given to the Father to the point of giving His own life so that we could have eternal life. He is the perfect example of being totally surrendered to the Father’s love.
Our Mother Foundress, Mother Luisita, lived a life of surrender and wanted us, her daughters, to do the same. In one of her letters she wrote: “When Our Lord has taken a soul for His very own, He does with it whatever pleases Him most, and He disposes of everything according to His sublime and just purposes. What happens is that we’re short-sighted and can’t understand it…how beautiful it is—the complete submission to the Divine Will.” These words are beautiful and true, but surrender does not always come easily. It can feel daunting, almost impossible, to be totally given at every moment.
When I have struggled with trusting in God’s Divine providence, that He does love me and is already providing for me is when I am trying to be in control and to understand in my own way, which leaves me short-sighted, as Mother Luisita said. It can also be difficult to believe when I recognize that I am holding back from giving of myself because of fears and wounds, and when in my weakness I fall. It can be tempting to say, “well, I can’t do it” and that is true. I can’t do it on my own. The world has taught me to strive for perfection, for flawlessness, for success but what Our Lord is asking for is my heart and that I abide in Him.
I am learning that totally given means coming to God as I am and giving Him everything, including my failures and weaknesses, and in turn receiving His mercy and love. It is about moving from self-reliance to dependence and trust in God because He loves me and is ready to provide for me. It is not about what I can do but about being with Him, leaning on Him, and seeking His will in all things. I praise God for the amazing call to be consecrated to Him alone. I place all my trust in Him to teach me and help me to be dependent on His providence, surrendered to His love, and united to the Father’s will — to be totally given with Jesus.
