Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 2~Ch 1-2

Welcome to the second day of Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Today, chapters one and two guide us through the essence of turning our complete attention to the duties of each moment and exploring the concept of 'shadows'—the duties, attractions, and crosses that God presents in our lives.

In Chapter 1, we delve into the sanctity of the righteous, drawing from the lives of figures from the Old Law and notably, Mary herself. Father de Caussade articulates that their righteousness lay in their unwavering fidelity to God's order. Unlike today's myriad methods of direction and spiritual explanations, these earlier faithful souls focused on the simplicity of fulfilling their present duties. Their spirituality was rooted in a trustful devotion, encapsulated in Mary’s resounding acceptance of God's will—“fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum”—expressing a total abandonment to God's design.

In Chapter 2, we investigate the beautiful analogy of 'shadows'—the duties and tasks that may initially obscure our view of God's action in our lives. The reading reminds us that these shadows are not distractions, but rather the very vehicle through which God operates and invites us to deeper communion with Him. De Caussade defines the present moment's duties as veils that conceal the divine action happening within and around us. Drawing on Mary’s experience, it is suggested that when we transcend the surface of these responsibilities, we can discern the divine at work. Mary stands as a testament to this vision, ever faithful, unbothered by the chaos that surrounds her, finding faith and divine wisdom in the simplest of tasks.