God has no prejudices

St Jane Frances de Chantal. Wednesday 12th August, 2020

I have a very soft spot for this Saint. First she had a fine marriage, was a good Mother with six children then on the death of her husband became a nun. She founded an Order which was prepared to take any woman with a vocation whatever her age or physical state. I consider her a pioneer in thinking of the person not the condition and leaving aside all prejudice. Also she had a deep spiritual relationship with another hero of mine. St Francis de Sales, one of the most 'human' of saints.

To me we have welcomed her feast day. Last night at about 8pm the heavens opened. The rain poured down in torrents, the sky lit up again and again and the thunder rolled and roared and the earth trembled. It was a true display of the power and magnificence of the heavens and the atmosphere...charged with electricity and, as the poet Hopkins noted, the Glory of God.

Today is as splendid. A clear azure sky with the sun warm, not exceedingly hot but near perfect. I rejoice.

It was St Jane who said of prayer it is better to listen than to speak. So my words are inadequate for the fabulous display last night and the beauty of this day. I so appreciate it. To that end I shall be off to see my 'guru' as I call him.

He is a remarkable man from India married to the most delightful Scottish lady. Both of them are deeply spiritual and they are a couple to whom I can go and speak freely of theology, prayer, spirituality and religion. He is not a fan of organised religion and ever urges me to speak directly to Christ and His Father. He had an amazing conversion, almost of the nature of St Paul on the road to Damascus. Like St Jane my guru tells me to listen and having listened to speak as if to unburden my heart to a lover.

How fortunate am I. Not only last night's display but also a very holy man. Again my guru has told me that God has no prejudices and loves absolutely whoever we are, whatever we have done or not done, whatever we think or believe.

A truly wondrous feast day for us all.