The Healing Journey

April 28, 2025

Sr. Faustina Maria Pia of the Sisters of Life was inspired to write a Litany of Trust a number of years ago, which she eventually turned into a 30-day personal retreat, published under the title “Jesus, I Trust in You.”

In the preface to her book, she explained the evolution of her work and what prompted her to write the litany, in which we appeal to Jesus to “deliver us from the things that hold us bound and place our trust in his promises.” You can read, download or order the litany here: https://sistersoflife.org/litany-of-trust/

When she began writing the litany, Sister’s situation in many ways resembled ours when we lose someone we love. We’re beset by what seems like an avalanche of crises, decisions and responsibilities — all of which deprive us of the time we need to grieve.

Sister explained her own predicament:

“At that time, I was asking the Lord to help me find a way through an unexpected situation that left me feeling confused and alone. My heart was torn, as I was receiving conflicting advice from those I went to for guidance. Every time I thought about how to move forward, I felt tortured, knowing that so much was at stake. In my frustration I was praying for clarity. But for months, whenever I opened up the Scriptures, it was as though the Gospels only had one message: Trust…. Looking at the crucifix in my room one Friday afternoon, a new courage came over me to finally stand in the truth of my profound need for God. Instead of feeling like a failure in His eyes, I was met with the realization that God wanted far more than to provide for my necessities….. It was as though Jesus were gently lifting my chin to look at Him. It was as if He were saying, ‘I don’t want you to give your yes to a set of circumstances, but to Me.’ Rather than consenting to any plan—my plan or the plan proposed by others—I was consenting to Him….Instead of being held back by my complicated analysis, I could let Jesus have His way in me. This relationship of love is what I wanted, even more than clarity or control. My heart was filled, or set free, with the desire to trust God with my life.”

Do you recognize that trusting in Jesus is also what he wants of us in our grief? If you trust, rather than getting overwhelmed by analyzing and deliberating, he will work out the answers for you. Give it a try.

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