The most important and fruitful acts of our freedom are not those by which we transform the outside world as those by which we change our inner attitude in light of the faith that God can bring good out of everything without exception. Even when externally there is nothing to be done, we still have inner freedom to continue to love. –Father Jacques Philippe ‘Interior Freedom’

The vacuum created by the arrival of freedom
And the possibilities it seems to offer
It’s got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it

Lyrics from a 70s rock song that stuck in my mind

God is eternally present, eternally young, is eternal and new, and our past and future are his. He can forgive everything, purify everything, renew everything. In the present moment, because of his infinitely merciful love, we always have the possibility of starting again, not impeded by the past or tormented by the future.Living in the present permits our hearts to expand. The effort to live in the reality and in each moment is of the greatest importance in times of suffering. St. Therese of Lisieux said during her illness, “I only suffer for one moment. It is because people think about the past and the future that they become discouraged and despair.” We can always have the grace to bear today the suffering that is ours now. –Father Jacques Philippe ‘Interior Freedom’