As life in the world goes on and everyone has his or her own difficulties and struggles, the bitter pain of heartbreak has entered my life once again. Yet this time, the pain is deeper than usual, still unwanted, and unkind. But despite this uninvited guest, I hold onto the hope, healing, and grace of God who will sustain me through tough times. Jesus will ultimately lead me to calmer seas.
I find my mind often reflecting on the Serenity prayer which is, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” The “acceptance” part is the most difficult. The difficulty is being at peace with a decision that never crossed your mind during the dating period. Alas, what is done is done for the best.
Saint Jude has also been a great consoler and healer of my heart. He has worked physical miracles in my life in the past for loved ones. So, now I call on him to heal and restore my heart to love with an even deeper love of Jesus. I long to grow deeply in love with the Crucified Christ, knowing in my own small way the feeling of loneliness and rejection that He felt immensely on the Cross. And, I find great comfort in thinking of the Sacred Scripture verse:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.” Psalm 34:19
For was Jesus not betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas, with a kiss? Was Jesus not rejected by Peter in time of need? Was He not abandoned by His closest companions at the Cross when He suffered the most?
Reflections like these make me glad to suffer and be close to Jesus in this way but also to know that the cross is not the end of the story. His Resurrection gives hope, joy, and peace. His rising from the dead gives hope to my soul that I, too, can rise from the ashes and find new life in Christ.
The purpose of life is to know, love, and serve Our Lord, so we can be happy with Him in Heaven. I must continue to follow this way of life. And if I do, I will receive not only His peace on earth but see Him face to face in Heaven.
Joy truly comes when we think how we are made for Heaven. To wonder and reflect that we were made for God should be our consolation, especially in times of distress. He alone can satisfy the empty hole in our hearts. I try to remind myself after another failed relationship that my heart was made for Jesus, and I should continually live in His Presence by seeking Him first if I am to find complete healing and total contentment in this life.
For anyone who is going through something similar, I can only say the best way to heal is through the life-changing power of the sacraments and to pray earnestly. Give all of your heartache and pain to Jesus. If offered to Jesus at the foot of the Cross, know that this offering can have eternal value. To be with Jesus is to be like Jesus. So, the Cross is the gateway to perfect serenity, to the eternal kingdom. No path of Christ without the Cross exists, so we must thankfully embrace suffering or else we turn to the depths of despair. To know that God conquered sin, death, and even heartbreak should make us rejoice! Our crosses strengthen us and make room for us to appreciate the greater blessings in life.
I know that God has a plan for me, and I continue to recite the Serenity prayer daily and pray healing prayers to saints like Saint Jude. I remember that whatever happens here on earth happens for good reason. And, if I am led back to Jesus with greater fervor and zeal, that alone is good enough reason. How can I not be grateful?
In retrospect, my life is in the hands of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I trust in Him that He will not lead me astray. Below are a couple of Sacred Scripture verses on which I like to reflect:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
