The Grace of Spiritual Indifference

When God created the world and saw that it was good, why did He allow evil to enter? Although God is not the author of evil, He does permit it to draw forth some greater good [CCC 412]. The fact that God allows evil at all flies in the face of his merciful love. Or does it?

This mystery tries one’s faith in God. In my own heart the question of evil and God’s will confuses me. As I grapple with this challenge, I pray for the grace of spiritual indifference. Such indifference is not to be uncaring or unconcerned; it is a state of unwavering trust in God.

God’s plan of salvation is at work in all that happens in this world. Therefore, God wills that we grow in faith, hope, and love through everything we experience even pain and sufferings caused by others. The grace of spiritual indifference helps us to keep our focus on God’s providence.

Unwavering Trust

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us evil never becomes a good, yet God can bring a good from the consequences of an evil. However, given that God permits evil, how can one’s trust in God be unwavering? Consider Jesus Christ on the cross when he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Mark 15:34].

Jesus feels our anguish, our pain, our sense of abandonment in the face of evil. His answer: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” [Luke 23:46]. Taking on the sins and sufferings of the world, Christ surrendered himself completely to God’s will, wisdom, and mercy.

From the greatest evil—the rejection and crucifixion of God’s only Son—God by his grace brought forth the greatest good. That is the glorification of Jesus Christ and our redemption [CCC 312]. The grace of spiritual indifference enables us to surrender ourselves to God. Unwavering trust in God’s unwavering merciful love ensures our journey in this world will not be in vain.

Spiritual Freedom

As much as I desire the grace of spiritual indifference, in my heart my faith is not mature enough yet. I know evil does not play a direct role in God’s plan of salvation. However, it is still difficult for me to see beyond the consequences of evil in today’s world to find God’s goodness.

Currently I am on a journey to deepen my faith. Reading Scriptures with daily prayer and reflection provides insight and strength to navigate life’s complexities with confidence in God and his grace. The grace of spiritual indifference helps us to see God’s loving plan of salvation at work in every aspect of our daily living.

Spiritual indifference is spiritual freedom. We are free to look for God in any event, circumstance or person. Our hearts are opened to God’s presence in every moment, including those that are difficult and painful. This grace is God’s gift to us. We can accept and foster this gift by the choices we make.

Do we accept the truth that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God? Do we accept the inherent goodness and dignity of human life? Do we believe that “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” [Romans 5:8]? Choosing to accept these truths puts us on the path to inner peace that comes with the spiritual freedom to follow God’s will.