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Abandonment to Divine Providence
French writer JEAN PIERRE DE CAUSSADE (1675-1751) believed that the present moment is holy and that people should abandon themselves to present, a stance that is it stark contrast to the Catholic focus on the future and life after death. For de Caussade, living in the moment meant having a complete trust and faith in God, for God's will defined and guided all things. The practical advice contained in his guidebook for the faithful was originally a series of letters written for the Nuns of the Visitation of Nancy, meant to help them navigate the confusing and difficult work of spiritual enlightenment, and comes together here in two distinct parts, one for the theoretical foundations of abandoning oneself to the present moment and one with practical advice on how to live such a life. Though a departure from the standard Christian perspective, Abandonment to Divine Providence remains a deeply spiritual work with a message that many Christians may find freeing and inspiring.
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1861
About the author
Jean-Pierre de Caussade
48 books58 followersJean Pierre de Caussade was a French Jesuit priest and writer known for his work Abandonment to Divine Providence (also translated as The Sacrament of the Present Moment) and his work with Nuns of the Visitation in Nancy, France.
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May 8, 2024
Some ancient volumes, like this one, contain the whole vast library of common-sense wisdom.
They just cannot be bested or improved by modern adaptations.
And so it is with the present moment itself...
So it's fitting!
The Present Moment is Borges' Aleph: the Lost Centre from which all the present moments of all the worlds Radiate. Or like Dante's vision of the Eternal Rose of the Seventh Heaven.
Or, it's like the forgotten Chinese student in the primitive mystical East who asked the Master what his Secret was?
"Well, that's easy," replied the Master.
"It's the plum tree in the garden."
Well, we all miss the obvious. But to a Master we miss by a mile!
My own path to awakening began when I was twenty.
Finding myself - in natural surroundings, way out in the country, a month before before the resumed hitting-of-the-books at uni was to begin - I momentarily got caught up in my Vedantic Oversoul.
Nature did that, of course, just like it did to William and Dorothy Wordsworth in the wild northern Lake Country.
Intimations of Immortality indeed!
But upon returning to campus, my new panoptic worldview didn't wash wiith my profs.
I was sequestered and doped. In the space of a month I had gone from a kinda pantheistic Eastern mysticism to Isaiah's mysticism of the Suffering Servant.
Right back to Square One.
***
But is that So Bad?
For now, a full fifty-two years later, I find I rather LIKE Square One -
Cause this unpopular and bitterly uncomfortable Present Moment...
Is in reality that very Selfsame Aleph -
The free intuition of the Vedantic Oversoul -
And the Gateway to Heaven itself.
You know, God's not dead -
He's right back where you left him -
At your very own Square One!
They just cannot be bested or improved by modern adaptations.
And so it is with the present moment itself...
So it's fitting!
The Present Moment is Borges' Aleph: the Lost Centre from which all the present moments of all the worlds Radiate. Or like Dante's vision of the Eternal Rose of the Seventh Heaven.
Or, it's like the forgotten Chinese student in the primitive mystical East who asked the Master what his Secret was?
"Well, that's easy," replied the Master.
"It's the plum tree in the garden."
Well, we all miss the obvious. But to a Master we miss by a mile!
My own path to awakening began when I was twenty.
Finding myself - in natural surroundings, way out in the country, a month before before the resumed hitting-of-the-books at uni was to begin - I momentarily got caught up in my Vedantic Oversoul.
Nature did that, of course, just like it did to William and Dorothy Wordsworth in the wild northern Lake Country.
Intimations of Immortality indeed!
But upon returning to campus, my new panoptic worldview didn't wash wiith my profs.
I was sequestered and doped. In the space of a month I had gone from a kinda pantheistic Eastern mysticism to Isaiah's mysticism of the Suffering Servant.
Right back to Square One.
***
But is that So Bad?
For now, a full fifty-two years later, I find I rather LIKE Square One -
Cause this unpopular and bitterly uncomfortable Present Moment...
Is in reality that very Selfsame Aleph -
The free intuition of the Vedantic Oversoul -
And the Gateway to Heaven itself.
You know, God's not dead -
He's right back where you left him -
At your very own Square One!
February 24, 2020
A few months ago I have read this wonderful book, I wasn’t really comfortable with the idea of putting a review for such a particular book, but the joy and the disarming beauty of the words taken from this collection of letters have thrown me off course a lot.
If you want to read a thorough and complete review I recommend you go here
"https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The aspect that leaves me unarmed is the recent research carried out by the French historian Jacques Gagey, who apparently discovered that the letters were concealed by a unknown ghost writer and written by a noble lady of French Lorraine and not by the friar Jean Pierre de Causade , but definitely in contact with the religious man.
Apart from this mystery, I found the Lady’s words of a moving intensity, a spiritual autobiography that also speaks to me and myself, woman and mother of 21th century.
I quote here the words of a journalist named Christiana Dobner because they lead straight to the heart of the spiritual path enclosed in these letters " Let’s call her Dama Abandono, in the absence of a precise name. At first confident and then protector of de Caussade, she inherits the great mystical tradition but she also senses, and makes her own, the philosophy of the enlightenment, in a positive sense. Precisely by assuming the responsibility of courageously using one’s intellect and not passively leaving one’s inner life to a book or spiritual director, the author reveals her choice of freedom. Not dwelling on theories or abstractions, but pointing directly, as had already happened with Teresa d'Avila, on its own concrete experience."
Qualche mese fa ho letto questo libro meraviglioso, non ero proprio a mio agio all' idea di mettere una recensione per un libro cosi particolare, ma la gioia e la bellezza disarmante delle parole tratte da questa raccolta di lettere mi hanno spiazzato e non poco.
L'aspetto che mi lascia disarmata è la ricerca effettuata dallo lo storico francese Jacques Gagey, che pare abbia scoperto che le lettere siano state celate da un nome di fantasia e scritte da una dama di alto livello della Lorena francese e non dal frate Jean Pierre de Caussade, ma sicuramente in contatto con quest' ultimo.
A parte questo mistero, ho trovato le parole della Dama di una intensità commovente, una autobiografia spirituale che parla anche a me e di me, donna e mamma del 2020.
Riporto qui le parole del giornalista Christiana Dobner perchè portano dritto al cuore del cammino spirituale racchiuso in queste lettere "Chiamiamola Dama Abbandono, in mancanza di un nome preciso. Dapprima confidente e poi protettrice di de Caussade, ella eredita la grande tradizione mistica ma avverte anche, e fa sua, la filosofia dei Lumi, in accezione positiva. Proprio assumendosi la responsabilità di usare coraggiosamente il proprio intelletto e di non demandare passivamente la propria vita interiore a un libro o a un direttore spirituale, l’autrice rivela la sua scelta di libertà. Non indugiando su teorie o astrazioni, ma puntando direttamente, come già era accaduto con Teresa d’Avila, sul proprio concreto esperire."
If you want to read a thorough and complete review I recommend you go here
"https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The aspect that leaves me unarmed is the recent research carried out by the French historian Jacques Gagey, who apparently discovered that the letters were concealed by a unknown ghost writer and written by a noble lady of French Lorraine and not by the friar Jean Pierre de Causade , but definitely in contact with the religious man.
Apart from this mystery, I found the Lady’s words of a moving intensity, a spiritual autobiography that also speaks to me and myself, woman and mother of 21th century.
I quote here the words of a journalist named Christiana Dobner because they lead straight to the heart of the spiritual path enclosed in these letters " Let’s call her Dama Abandono, in the absence of a precise name. At first confident and then protector of de Caussade, she inherits the great mystical tradition but she also senses, and makes her own, the philosophy of the enlightenment, in a positive sense. Precisely by assuming the responsibility of courageously using one’s intellect and not passively leaving one’s inner life to a book or spiritual director, the author reveals her choice of freedom. Not dwelling on theories or abstractions, but pointing directly, as had already happened with Teresa d'Avila, on its own concrete experience."
Qualche mese fa ho letto questo libro meraviglioso, non ero proprio a mio agio all' idea di mettere una recensione per un libro cosi particolare, ma la gioia e la bellezza disarmante delle parole tratte da questa raccolta di lettere mi hanno spiazzato e non poco.
L'aspetto che mi lascia disarmata è la ricerca effettuata dallo lo storico francese Jacques Gagey, che pare abbia scoperto che le lettere siano state celate da un nome di fantasia e scritte da una dama di alto livello della Lorena francese e non dal frate Jean Pierre de Caussade, ma sicuramente in contatto con quest' ultimo.
A parte questo mistero, ho trovato le parole della Dama di una intensità commovente, una autobiografia spirituale che parla anche a me e di me, donna e mamma del 2020.
Riporto qui le parole del giornalista Christiana Dobner perchè portano dritto al cuore del cammino spirituale racchiuso in queste lettere "Chiamiamola Dama Abbandono, in mancanza di un nome preciso. Dapprima confidente e poi protettrice di de Caussade, ella eredita la grande tradizione mistica ma avverte anche, e fa sua, la filosofia dei Lumi, in accezione positiva. Proprio assumendosi la responsabilità di usare coraggiosamente il proprio intelletto e di non demandare passivamente la propria vita interiore a un libro o a un direttore spirituale, l’autrice rivela la sua scelta di libertà. Non indugiando su teorie o astrazioni, ma puntando direttamente, come già era accaduto con Teresa d’Avila, sul proprio concreto esperire."
April 3, 2017
There are some books which are almost too good to be able to describe. (Reading my friend Caterina’s excellent recent review of this book got me to read my own and made me aware of the need to update it!) She also introduced me to another, more complete edition of this book which I want to check out when I next have time to return to this book. As a novice Secular Carmelite, I hope we will be reading this in the years ahead.
One of the many beautiful things about this book is its simplicity. Another is its brevity. I have read both versions, Sacrament of the Present Moment, being the newer translation of Abandonment of Divine Providence. I prefer the older, but each has its place. Both titular phrases are Fr. Caussade’s own words for the profound yet childlike concept he is trying to teach us. Remain in the here-and-now; that is where the incarnate Christ dwells.
Abandonment wasn't published until a hundred and ten years after the author’s death. Father Caussade never knew he wrote this book; what we read today was originally a collection of letters written when he was the spiritual director to the Visitation nuns of Nancy in France—as well as notes from talks he gave them.
Born in 1675 in the south of France, there is almost nothing known about Caussade—no picture survives, no physical description, and very few facts. But we do know he was born during an era when the Catholic faith was rich and vibrant; he grew up in the shadow of such giants as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. In fact, although he was a Jesuit, his writings reflect more Carmelite and Salesian spirituality, than they do Ignatian influence.
‘Short books often have great power.’ This one is a perfect example. There is one central theme and it is—give or “abandon” yourself to God/Divine Providence – and no harm can come to you. “Be Not Afraid,” as Jesus said, and Pope John Paul II reiterated in his late twentieth century pontificate. The book is a series of meditations, meant to be consumed in small bite-sized pieces and then savored or contemplated. That is why it is perfect both as an audiobook and a devotional. It constantly circles back to the gentle reminder we have but one (three-fold) duty—to abandon ourselves to His Will, trust Him in everything and live in the Present Moment. Such a sweetly elemental principle! We humans want to complicate everything; He wants to simplify things. We want to hold on to our problems; He wants to relieve us of them.
Recently, I have been filling my poor head with facts from confusing technical reading which doesn't clarify or solve anything. Fortunately, at the same time, I have also been listening to my Ignatian Press tapes, while driving in the car, of Mark Taheny as he reads Abandonment. Talk about peace and transport--peace in transport. I look forward to my time alone absorbing these Christ-like words which reassure me that all I need to do is surrender to Him and love. Do my Christian duty always and forget about what others think about me. If I am misunderstood, so much the better—so was He. And when I slip up and fall into sin—which I will do (as we all do)—I throw myself on His Loving Mercy.
Let go of the past. Forget about the future. Be in the present. He is taking care of everything else. All things work together for our good if we let Him work in our lives. What does not make sense now, does not matter. If He wills it, it is—that is enough.
As with most spiritual books different parts are helpful with each read. On this particular listening I was struck by the sixth and seventh sections of Chapter Six:
(6) An abandoned soul is not afraid of its enemies, but finds them useful allies.
I am eternally grateful for this wonderful little book--which I have already read many times--and to which I hope to return many more times. God bless you Father Caussade!
review written 26 September 2007; updated 2 April 2017
One of the many beautiful things about this book is its simplicity. Another is its brevity. I have read both versions, Sacrament of the Present Moment, being the newer translation of Abandonment of Divine Providence. I prefer the older, but each has its place. Both titular phrases are Fr. Caussade’s own words for the profound yet childlike concept he is trying to teach us. Remain in the here-and-now; that is where the incarnate Christ dwells.
Abandonment wasn't published until a hundred and ten years after the author’s death. Father Caussade never knew he wrote this book; what we read today was originally a collection of letters written when he was the spiritual director to the Visitation nuns of Nancy in France—as well as notes from talks he gave them.
Born in 1675 in the south of France, there is almost nothing known about Caussade—no picture survives, no physical description, and very few facts. But we do know he was born during an era when the Catholic faith was rich and vibrant; he grew up in the shadow of such giants as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. In fact, although he was a Jesuit, his writings reflect more Carmelite and Salesian spirituality, than they do Ignatian influence.
‘Short books often have great power.’ This one is a perfect example. There is one central theme and it is—give or “abandon” yourself to God/Divine Providence – and no harm can come to you. “Be Not Afraid,” as Jesus said, and Pope John Paul II reiterated in his late twentieth century pontificate. The book is a series of meditations, meant to be consumed in small bite-sized pieces and then savored or contemplated. That is why it is perfect both as an audiobook and a devotional. It constantly circles back to the gentle reminder we have but one (three-fold) duty—to abandon ourselves to His Will, trust Him in everything and live in the Present Moment. Such a sweetly elemental principle! We humans want to complicate everything; He wants to simplify things. We want to hold on to our problems; He wants to relieve us of them.
Recently, I have been filling my poor head with facts from confusing technical reading which doesn't clarify or solve anything. Fortunately, at the same time, I have also been listening to my Ignatian Press tapes, while driving in the car, of Mark Taheny as he reads Abandonment. Talk about peace and transport--peace in transport. I look forward to my time alone absorbing these Christ-like words which reassure me that all I need to do is surrender to Him and love. Do my Christian duty always and forget about what others think about me. If I am misunderstood, so much the better—so was He. And when I slip up and fall into sin—which I will do (as we all do)—I throw myself on His Loving Mercy.
Let go of the past. Forget about the future. Be in the present. He is taking care of everything else. All things work together for our good if we let Him work in our lives. What does not make sense now, does not matter. If He wills it, it is—that is enough.
As with most spiritual books different parts are helpful with each read. On this particular listening I was struck by the sixth and seventh sections of Chapter Six:
(6) An abandoned soul is not afraid of its enemies, but finds them useful allies.
‘I am more afraid of what I and my friends do than anything done by my enemies. There is nothing more prudent than to offer no resistance to one's enemies and face them with simple abandonment. This is to run before the wind and stay at peace. Simplicity is always victorious when faced with worldly wisdom and easily avoids all its tricks without understanding them or even being conscious of them. God makes the soul take such suitable measures that they completely confound those who seek to trap it. It benefits by all their efforts, and what is meant to degrade it only increases its virtue.’(7) An abandoned soul never need try to justify itself by word or deed. God does that.
‘The huge, unyielding rock that shelters the soul from all storms is the divine will, which is always there, though hidden beneath the veil of trials and the most commonplace actions. Deep within those shadows is the hand of God to support and carry us to complete self-abandonment. And when the soul has arrived at this sublime state it need fear nothing which is said against it, for there is no longer anything for it to do in self-defense.’These are not the complete sections, but I have quoted enough to convey the gist of each. The reminder to me was that the reading I had been doing—at someone else's request--was looking for a worldly solution to problems. Listening to Fr. Caussade I remembered that at core, all problems are essentially spiritual because we are spirit. One of my favorite sayings is, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Yes, I am a sinner; we all are. We sin every day by our thoughts, words and actions, but God forgives us for all our sins, so long as we truly repent. The only sin He can't forgive is the one for which we are not truly sorry.
I am eternally grateful for this wonderful little book--which I have already read many times--and to which I hope to return many more times. God bless you Father Caussade!
review written 26 September 2007; updated 2 April 2017
May 1, 2016
Finished listening to this again. As my husband was walking through the room and caught snatches of the CD playing he commented, “Sounds like he’s talking about me.” Abandonment to Divine Providence has universal appeal, although different parts speak more at different times in our lives.
I’m especially challenged now—as always—to let go of my own ideas and plans, to remain in the present moment and to trustfully surrender all to His adorable Will, His loving Providence.
I will be due to read this again in 18 months or so. Maybe less. A treasure!
Nov 25, 2014: Between this and The Sacrament of the Present Moment, which is modern version of the same book, I prefer this. However, I'm going to re-read both and do a comparison. (Update: Still want to do this sometime, but didn't get to it during this read.)
I’m especially challenged now—as always—to let go of my own ideas and plans, to remain in the present moment and to trustfully surrender all to His adorable Will, His loving Providence.
I will be due to read this again in 18 months or so. Maybe less. A treasure!
Nov 25, 2014: Between this and The Sacrament of the Present Moment, which is modern version of the same book, I prefer this. However, I'm going to re-read both and do a comparison. (Update: Still want to do this sometime, but didn't get to it during this read.)
June 18, 2017
I have had interest in this book for a number of years now, but just never got around to reading it. In part because there are a few main editions all translated nearly 100 years ago, and so many different editions of it, some abridged and some not, some abridged and some not, some reformatted and updated and many not. So when a new edition became available, with an introduction by Matthew Kelly, I read it within days of it being available. This is the first book in a new series called Dynamic Catholic Classics. And unlike many editions that are currently available this one has been redone, with new typeset, formatting and layout. This book is a classic and has been for over 250 years, but this new edition brings the classic to new life.
Matthew Kelly in the introduction states:
"To discover God's dreams for us-this is a worthy pursuit! But in order to discover them we have to get out of our own way, and get out of God's way.
Abandonment to Divine Providence has been leading people along a sure path for more than 250 years. The words this book contains are as true today as they were when they were written, though perhaps needed more today than ever before."
And after reading it I believe that it will live up to those words. Kelly also states:
"This book is an invitation to develop a singular focus: Seek and do the will of God. In every moment of every day, we are called to seek God's will and to carry out our part in his plan, which immediately liberates us from worrying about things we cannot do anything about. This focus on doing the next right thing pushes aside all the distractions that take us into the future or the past. Seeking to do God's will right now is an invitation to experience fully the present moment. Incidentally, that is always where we find God. We cannot find him by trying to hurry into the future or by thrashing our way back into the past. God is always in the now."
And that is the focus of the book, learning to live in God and live in the here and now. This book is broken into 2 books, 6 chapters and 54 sections. In fact the sections in the book are:
BOOK 1
On the Virtue of Abandonment to
Divine Providence, Its Nature and Excellence
Chapter 1
I. Hidden Operations of God
II. The Duties of Each Moment
III. The Work of Our Sanctification
IV. In What Perfection Consists
V. The Divine Influence Alone Can Sanctify Us
VI. On the Use of Mental Faculties
VII. On the Attainment of Peace
VIII. To Estimate Degrees of Excellence
IX. Sanctity Made Easy
Chapter 2
I. The Divine Action
II. By Faith the Operation of God Is Recognized
III. How to Discover What Is the Will of God
IV. The Revelations of God
V. The Action of Jesus Christ in the Souls of Men
VI. The Treatment of the Divine Action
VII. The Hidden Work of Divine Love
VIII. Experimental Science
IX. The Will of God in the Present Moment Is the Source of Sanctity
X. God Makes Known His Will Through Creatures
XI. Everything Is Supernaturalized by the Divine Action
XII. The Divine Word Our Model
BOOK 2
On the State of Abandonment
Chapter 1
I. The Life of God in the Soul
II. The Most Perfect Way
III. Abandonment a Pledge of Predestination
IV. Abandonment a Source of Joy
V. The Great Merit of Pure Faith
VI. Submission a Free Gift to God
VII. Divine Favors Offered to All
VIII. God Reigns in a Pure Heart
Chapter 2
I. Sacrifice, the Foundation of Sanctity
II. The Pains and Consolations of Abandonment
III. The Different Duties of Abandonment
IV. God Does All for a Soul of Goodwill
V. The Common Way of All Souls
VI. The Duty of the Present Moment the Only Rule
VII. Trust in the Guidance of God
VIII. Great Faith Is Necessary
Chapter 3
I. Unwise Interference
II. Unjust Judgments
III. Self-Contempt
IV. Distrust of Self
V. The Life of Faith
Chapter 4
I. Confidence in God
II. Diversity of Grace
III. The Generosity of God
IV. The Most Ordinary Things Are Channels of Grace
V. Nature and Grace the Instruments of God
VI. Supernatural Prudence
VII. Conviction of Weakness
VIII. Self-Guidance a Mistake
IX. Divine Love, the Principle of All Good
X. We Must See God in All His Creatures
XI. The Strength of Simplicity
XII. The Triumph of Humility
One of the passages from this book that really spoke to me is: "No reading, nor any other exercise can sanctify us except in so far as they are the channels of the divine influence." And as a bibliophile who reads a lot of books, this thought has had a large impact. There are many book I have read in the past, that I would not read today with where I am at spiritually. There are whole authors that I will no longer touch their books because they do not really have a positive impact. A further quote on this topic of reading is:
"Our whole science consists in recognizing the designs of God for the present moment. All reading not intended for us by God is dangerous. It is by doing the will of God and obeying His holy inspirations that we obtain grace, and this grace works in our hearts through our reading or any other employment. Apart from God reading is empty and vain and, being deprived for us of the life-giving power of the action of God, only succeeds in emptying the heart by the very fullness it gives to the mind."
This book has so much sound advice in a small slim volume. I am thankful to Matthew Kelly for bringing out this new edition. If not it might have remained one of those books I would read someday. But someday might never have come. I strongly encourage anyone serious about their faith journey to give this book a read and see what sort of immediate impact it has on your life, all areas of your life. The heading of the final section in the book states: "To the souls which are faithful to Him, God promises a glorious victory over the powers of the world and of hell." And this book will help you live that life.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
Matthew Kelly in the introduction states:
"To discover God's dreams for us-this is a worthy pursuit! But in order to discover them we have to get out of our own way, and get out of God's way.
Abandonment to Divine Providence has been leading people along a sure path for more than 250 years. The words this book contains are as true today as they were when they were written, though perhaps needed more today than ever before."
And after reading it I believe that it will live up to those words. Kelly also states:
"This book is an invitation to develop a singular focus: Seek and do the will of God. In every moment of every day, we are called to seek God's will and to carry out our part in his plan, which immediately liberates us from worrying about things we cannot do anything about. This focus on doing the next right thing pushes aside all the distractions that take us into the future or the past. Seeking to do God's will right now is an invitation to experience fully the present moment. Incidentally, that is always where we find God. We cannot find him by trying to hurry into the future or by thrashing our way back into the past. God is always in the now."
And that is the focus of the book, learning to live in God and live in the here and now. This book is broken into 2 books, 6 chapters and 54 sections. In fact the sections in the book are:
BOOK 1
On the Virtue of Abandonment to
Divine Providence, Its Nature and Excellence
Chapter 1
I. Hidden Operations of God
II. The Duties of Each Moment
III. The Work of Our Sanctification
IV. In What Perfection Consists
V. The Divine Influence Alone Can Sanctify Us
VI. On the Use of Mental Faculties
VII. On the Attainment of Peace
VIII. To Estimate Degrees of Excellence
IX. Sanctity Made Easy
Chapter 2
I. The Divine Action
II. By Faith the Operation of God Is Recognized
III. How to Discover What Is the Will of God
IV. The Revelations of God
V. The Action of Jesus Christ in the Souls of Men
VI. The Treatment of the Divine Action
VII. The Hidden Work of Divine Love
VIII. Experimental Science
IX. The Will of God in the Present Moment Is the Source of Sanctity
X. God Makes Known His Will Through Creatures
XI. Everything Is Supernaturalized by the Divine Action
XII. The Divine Word Our Model
BOOK 2
On the State of Abandonment
Chapter 1
I. The Life of God in the Soul
II. The Most Perfect Way
III. Abandonment a Pledge of Predestination
IV. Abandonment a Source of Joy
V. The Great Merit of Pure Faith
VI. Submission a Free Gift to God
VII. Divine Favors Offered to All
VIII. God Reigns in a Pure Heart
Chapter 2
I. Sacrifice, the Foundation of Sanctity
II. The Pains and Consolations of Abandonment
III. The Different Duties of Abandonment
IV. God Does All for a Soul of Goodwill
V. The Common Way of All Souls
VI. The Duty of the Present Moment the Only Rule
VII. Trust in the Guidance of God
VIII. Great Faith Is Necessary
Chapter 3
I. Unwise Interference
II. Unjust Judgments
III. Self-Contempt
IV. Distrust of Self
V. The Life of Faith
Chapter 4
I. Confidence in God
II. Diversity of Grace
III. The Generosity of God
IV. The Most Ordinary Things Are Channels of Grace
V. Nature and Grace the Instruments of God
VI. Supernatural Prudence
VII. Conviction of Weakness
VIII. Self-Guidance a Mistake
IX. Divine Love, the Principle of All Good
X. We Must See God in All His Creatures
XI. The Strength of Simplicity
XII. The Triumph of Humility
One of the passages from this book that really spoke to me is: "No reading, nor any other exercise can sanctify us except in so far as they are the channels of the divine influence." And as a bibliophile who reads a lot of books, this thought has had a large impact. There are many book I have read in the past, that I would not read today with where I am at spiritually. There are whole authors that I will no longer touch their books because they do not really have a positive impact. A further quote on this topic of reading is:
"Our whole science consists in recognizing the designs of God for the present moment. All reading not intended for us by God is dangerous. It is by doing the will of God and obeying His holy inspirations that we obtain grace, and this grace works in our hearts through our reading or any other employment. Apart from God reading is empty and vain and, being deprived for us of the life-giving power of the action of God, only succeeds in emptying the heart by the very fullness it gives to the mind."
This book has so much sound advice in a small slim volume. I am thankful to Matthew Kelly for bringing out this new edition. If not it might have remained one of those books I would read someday. But someday might never have come. I strongly encourage anyone serious about their faith journey to give this book a read and see what sort of immediate impact it has on your life, all areas of your life. The heading of the final section in the book states: "To the souls which are faithful to Him, God promises a glorious victory over the powers of the world and of hell." And this book will help you live that life.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 1, 2017
To avoid any anxieties which may be caused by either regret of the past or fear of the future, here in a few words is the rule to follow: the past must be left to God's measureless mercy, the future to his loving providence; and the present must be given wholly to his love through our fidelity to his grace. Amen.
I love this book. Read very slowly in tiny but intense “doses” suitable for morning meditation, like a restorative juice for the soul, it works quietly, opening the way to deep inner peace, humility, release from attachments, and ultimately the quiet confidence, inner strength, and loving attitude of service that come from God. For the most part it is a deeply gentle, non-violent book of spiritual guidance for those who long to become closer to God, but find themselves thwarted by anxiety, inner turbulence, and despair of the world and of themselves, their own wills, plans, and designs -- especially for those who have already spent some years on a spiritual path integrating focused contemplative prayer and action. If taken to heart, a transformative book. It was recommended to my husband his spiritual director, an octogenarian Jesuit I would describe as a spiritual master. I recommend this 449-page TAN Books edition, containing not only Father Caussade’s treatise (100 or so pages) but -- even better for a literary soul -- an enormous collection of personal letters of spiritual guidance that he wrote to numerous women, mostly nuns or nun candidates, a few married women. They are quite individual depending on which specific person he is writing to; you get to know some of the women, as well as the author, indirectly through the letters.
It’s astonishing to me that this book, though written in the early 1700s and very much in the theistic Christian tradition, also seems resonant with Eastern spirituality and might be accessible to readers on a non-theistic path, as well as those on other theistic paths, who are open to Catholic Christian spiritual works.
There's also something challenging but sometimes wonderful about the non-modernity of the translation I'm reading -- translated by Algar Thorold and edited by John Joyce S.J.-- it stretches the mind of a modern person. To appreciate it fully one has to kind of abandon oneself to this older form of faith to see where it goes. I argue with it, it makes me uncomfortable at times, and yet I’ve gotten so much from it over the past four years. The book is also available in other translations, one alternatively titled The Sacrament of the Present Moment.
I love this book. Read very slowly in tiny but intense “doses” suitable for morning meditation, like a restorative juice for the soul, it works quietly, opening the way to deep inner peace, humility, release from attachments, and ultimately the quiet confidence, inner strength, and loving attitude of service that come from God. For the most part it is a deeply gentle, non-violent book of spiritual guidance for those who long to become closer to God, but find themselves thwarted by anxiety, inner turbulence, and despair of the world and of themselves, their own wills, plans, and designs -- especially for those who have already spent some years on a spiritual path integrating focused contemplative prayer and action. If taken to heart, a transformative book. It was recommended to my husband his spiritual director, an octogenarian Jesuit I would describe as a spiritual master. I recommend this 449-page TAN Books edition, containing not only Father Caussade’s treatise (100 or so pages) but -- even better for a literary soul -- an enormous collection of personal letters of spiritual guidance that he wrote to numerous women, mostly nuns or nun candidates, a few married women. They are quite individual depending on which specific person he is writing to; you get to know some of the women, as well as the author, indirectly through the letters.
It’s astonishing to me that this book, though written in the early 1700s and very much in the theistic Christian tradition, also seems resonant with Eastern spirituality and might be accessible to readers on a non-theistic path, as well as those on other theistic paths, who are open to Catholic Christian spiritual works.
There's also something challenging but sometimes wonderful about the non-modernity of the translation I'm reading -- translated by Algar Thorold and edited by John Joyce S.J.-- it stretches the mind of a modern person. To appreciate it fully one has to kind of abandon oneself to this older form of faith to see where it goes. I argue with it, it makes me uncomfortable at times, and yet I’ve gotten so much from it over the past four years. The book is also available in other translations, one alternatively titled The Sacrament of the Present Moment.
June 2, 2021
A classic of western spiritual reading, this little book was compiled from the letters a French Jesuit priest wrote to the nuns of a convent in Nancy, France in the early 18th Century. Best to read it a bit at a time rather than straight through, since there is quite a bit of repetition due to how it was compiled. Caussade's major point is that we need to live in the present moment totally submissive to God's will - i.e. abandon our selves to Divine Providence. It's actually kind of Zen-like. In fact, the first time I heard of this work was years ago in one of Alan Watts' books - his autobiography, I think.
May 30, 2021
This book had touched deeply my heart and mind. It’s difficult to explain why but summarizing the experience I was reading it and saying to myself: this is the truth, thank You Lord for this book. I want to live like this.
I found out that this book changed the life of Blessed Charles de Foucault
It’s a book to pray with and not a book to be tested with cold logic categories. It’s a Mistery revealed to little ones.
Highly recommended
I found out that this book changed the life of Blessed Charles de Foucault
It’s a book to pray with and not a book to be tested with cold logic categories. It’s a Mistery revealed to little ones.
Highly recommended
May 26, 2021
ENGLISH: I have read this book in an English translation from the original French. The work proper is one fourth of the size of the book, which was completed by many letters, addressed mainly to nuns, giving them counsel. At a point, those letters become a little repetitive.
I think this work is part of a current, typical of its time (the 18th century), which tended to despise reason, perhaps as a reaction against the Enlightenment. For example, in section IV of chapter 2, it says this: To behold divine mysteries it is necessary to shut the eyes to what is external, and to cease to reason. I think this is too strong. There have been important saints (such as St. Albertus Magnus or St. Thomas Aquinas) whose vocation was clearly addressed to the use of reason, also for the study of divine mysteries.
ESPAÑOL: Leí este libro en traducción inglesa del francés original. La obra propiamente dicha es la cuarta parte del libro, que se completó con muchas cartas, dirigidas principalmente a monjas, para aconsejarlas. Llega un momento en que esas cartas se vuelven algo repetitivas.
Creo que esta obra se enmarca en una corriente, propia de su época (el siglo XVIII), que tendía a despreciar la razón, quizá como reacción contra la Ilustración. Por ejemplo, en el punto IV del capítulo 2, dice esto: Para contemplar los misterios divinos es necesario cerrar los ojos a lo externo y dejar de razonar. Creo que esta afirmación es demasiado fuerte. Ha habido santos importantes (como San Alberto Magno o Santo Tomás de Aquino) cuya vocación se dirigió claramente hacia el uso de la razón, también para el estudio de los misterios divinos.
I think this work is part of a current, typical of its time (the 18th century), which tended to despise reason, perhaps as a reaction against the Enlightenment. For example, in section IV of chapter 2, it says this: To behold divine mysteries it is necessary to shut the eyes to what is external, and to cease to reason. I think this is too strong. There have been important saints (such as St. Albertus Magnus or St. Thomas Aquinas) whose vocation was clearly addressed to the use of reason, also for the study of divine mysteries.
ESPAÑOL: Leí este libro en traducción inglesa del francés original. La obra propiamente dicha es la cuarta parte del libro, que se completó con muchas cartas, dirigidas principalmente a monjas, para aconsejarlas. Llega un momento en que esas cartas se vuelven algo repetitivas.
Creo que esta obra se enmarca en una corriente, propia de su época (el siglo XVIII), que tendía a despreciar la razón, quizá como reacción contra la Ilustración. Por ejemplo, en el punto IV del capítulo 2, dice esto: Para contemplar los misterios divinos es necesario cerrar los ojos a lo externo y dejar de razonar. Creo que esta afirmación es demasiado fuerte. Ha habido santos importantes (como San Alberto Magno o Santo Tomás de Aquino) cuya vocación se dirigió claramente hacia el uso de la razón, también para el estudio de los misterios divinos.
November 17, 2010
A lot of wisdom to ponder in this book. It would probably serve me better a little further down my spiritual journey.
Recommended for those well on the path.
Recommended for those well on the path.
December 29, 2018
This beautiful, extraordinary and timeless book by an 18th century author is one of the greatest mystical treatises of any time in any religion. It is to be most warmly recommended to all true and sincere students of mysticism. It radiates the warmth of St. Francis de Sales, touches in a uniquely loving and gentle way on the sufferings on the soul immersed in the dark night of the spirit, offers guidance on ways of contemplation and the attainment of true humility, which, as the author asserts, is the prerequisite of self-knowledge preparing the way for the love of God which the purified soul must enter through the cloud of unknowing. This book is my steady companion along with the Cloud of Unknowing, Rumi and The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah.
August 25, 2013
I like this skinny little book. It truly says nothing novel about the human struggle for holiness, but it is the authoritativeness of the author and his succinct summary that makes it worthwhile. Unlike many other spiritual writers, like T of Avila and J of the Cross, there is no 'process' towards holiness for Caussade. It is a simple proposition. 'Holiness', he says 'is measured in how obedient one is to the will of God'. For those who do Yoga or are attracted to eastern spirituality, here is the Christian version of being in the moment. Recommended to me as a good book for discerning the will of God in our lives, this little volume confirms many intuitions for those spiritually timid folk and can act as an aid for those in spiritual guidance. Written as a set of letters for the sisters of the Visitation in France, the book focuses on surrendering one's will to God in whatever state of life one finds oneself in, in whatever moment. It is not what we are doing that matters, writes de Caussade, it is with what degree of submission we do it that really sanctifies us. Wether in religious life, or rasing a family or running a business or being ill, it helps us nothing to grumble about our good works or moan about unexpected events, he says. We have to trust that everything is meant to sanctify. I find the book very useful in my lay status, in that I accept the uninteresting parts of my life instead of looking for extra opportunities to act holy. It is not what we do but with how much love and gratefulness we receive everything that comes from God.Very helpful foreword by John Beevers in this 1975 edition to forestall objections that might identify de Caussade with Quietism. Unlike Molinists, Caussade did not advocate foregoing those regular aids to the spiritual life, like confession, but rather complimenting then with a pliant disposition. As one of many paths to spirituality, this is the path for those who cannot bear enormous tasks by dividing them into conqueable parts, but it is intead for those who choose to begin somewhere. It is not that you are going to be holy but that you are being now.
November 6, 2020
Abandonment to Divine Providence is a must-read for all those striving for detachment and surrender.
The edition I have read is titled The Sacrament of the Present Moment as translated by Kitty Muggeridge. The EJ Strickland translation is more well-known, but I balked at that edition because of the traditional language. The Sacrament of the Present Moment has a more relaxed language, but still containing some archaism. If you desire a truly contemporary edition, Paraclete Press' The Joy of Full Surrender would be better suited for you.
The edition I have read is titled The Sacrament of the Present Moment as translated by Kitty Muggeridge. The EJ Strickland translation is more well-known, but I balked at that edition because of the traditional language. The Sacrament of the Present Moment has a more relaxed language, but still containing some archaism. If you desire a truly contemporary edition, Paraclete Press' The Joy of Full Surrender would be better suited for you.
March 12, 2011
A spiritual classic for a reason. Just read it.
December 5, 2019
read it, reread it and then repeat the process until time stops
October 30, 2023
I assume this is the same book as under the title, Abandonment to Divine Providence. I'm probably not the best reviewer for this book. Its central thesis is brilliant: we must accept God's will with a yes to every moment. But how many times can he say the same thing over and over? Someone I discussed this book with at our book club thought every chapter was a layering to fill the thesis with more richness. Perhaps so. I don't know. I felt it was overly repetitive to the point of boredom. The thesis a wonderful idea that I endorse, but I think a book needed to have more than this. Unless something went over my head.
October 3, 2013
After having read many wonderful reviews, having seen this in many lists of Catholic reading plans, and receiving a free copy of the book from a friend, I decided the time had come to read this great Catholic classic: I was much disappointed.
The style is consistent with the writing of the 18th century and I found this very easy to cope with and, at times, very enjoyable reading. For those interested in a wonderfully translated English from the French - in terms of smooth reading, since I cannot speak of the accuracy of the translation - this would be a good book to read.
My main problem with the book is its spirituality. My difficulty is not that I found anything particularly erroneous about the advice the Fr. Caussade gives, rather it left me with a sense in which the book as a whole gives off an erroneous tone.
In the introduction, the translator correctly states, "Caussade is careful to dissociate himself with Quietism...," which is quite true, but also, "The heresy of which Molinos was found guilty was and is known as Quietism, and Caussade has been accused of drawing very near to it....If we read Molinos and then Caussade, we shall inevitably be struck be a similarity in their thought."
I have not read Molinos, but I know enough about Quietism to sympathize with those who think this book draws near to it. I think, at least this was the overarching idea that I could not detach from my mind while reading, where the book could be most helpful is when it is absorbed by the needs of a particular Catholic community. However, and I mean this with the utmost sincerity and realize the extent to which it may seem chauvinistic, it seems to me that this community is that which this material was originally delivered to: female religious.
The style is consistent with the writing of the 18th century and I found this very easy to cope with and, at times, very enjoyable reading. For those interested in a wonderfully translated English from the French - in terms of smooth reading, since I cannot speak of the accuracy of the translation - this would be a good book to read.
My main problem with the book is its spirituality. My difficulty is not that I found anything particularly erroneous about the advice the Fr. Caussade gives, rather it left me with a sense in which the book as a whole gives off an erroneous tone.
In the introduction, the translator correctly states, "Caussade is careful to dissociate himself with Quietism...," which is quite true, but also, "The heresy of which Molinos was found guilty was and is known as Quietism, and Caussade has been accused of drawing very near to it....If we read Molinos and then Caussade, we shall inevitably be struck be a similarity in their thought."
I have not read Molinos, but I know enough about Quietism to sympathize with those who think this book draws near to it. I think, at least this was the overarching idea that I could not detach from my mind while reading, where the book could be most helpful is when it is absorbed by the needs of a particular Catholic community. However, and I mean this with the utmost sincerity and realize the extent to which it may seem chauvinistic, it seems to me that this community is that which this material was originally delivered to: female religious.
September 14, 2017
There are parts of this book that are heart-achingly beautiful. Truly. The author adds a sacred and poetic beauty to the ordinary, everyday, mundane and elevates it to Heavenly dignity. He gives heroic purpose to even those who have nothing, are nothing. Indeed, he gives each of us in the present moment an eternal greatness.
One word of caution however. This book is not suitable for those who have a tendency towards a new age interpretations of things. Yes, this book is accessible because of this, however, one could erroneously conclude that it is just another acceptable version on equal footing with, for example, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Catholicism is so much more. There is much in this book that could be loosely interpreted to fit ones own personal version of things, ultimately distancing themselves from the true heart of the Faith as well as the book.
One word of caution however. This book is not suitable for those who have a tendency towards a new age interpretations of things. Yes, this book is accessible because of this, however, one could erroneously conclude that it is just another acceptable version on equal footing with, for example, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Catholicism is so much more. There is much in this book that could be loosely interpreted to fit ones own personal version of things, ultimately distancing themselves from the true heart of the Faith as well as the book.
January 12, 2009
There are proper seasons for reading special books. This particular book was recommended by a wise loved one dear to me and I am sure it will have more meaning for me as the seasons of my life change with the tide of time. For now, I take with me reinforcement of my faith that in every moment the hand of God is active in my life and that I must surrender to his will to live in Holiness. The image that I have is akin to that of childbirth. To give birth naturally there is nothing one must actively do… except get the mind out of the way and surrender to labor’s course. It is at once simple and yet the most difficult thing to accomplish perfectly. That is why there is only perfect love and sacrifice.
January 12, 2019
A beautiful and powerful read that explores the depth and virtue of a life of surrender to God. This book will be a powerful tool in your spiritual toolbox. Worth the read and reflection!
April 22, 2024
A beautiful reminder of the invitation we have in every single moment to experience God and be transformed by Him. When we learn to see every moment as permeated by God, we live with an awareness that all moments are sacred and we treat nothing as ordinary.
“Let us unceasingly impress upon every soul that the invitation of this gentle, loving saviour excepts nothing difficult or extraordinary of them. He is not making impossible demands on them, he only asks that their good intention be united to His so that he may lead, guide and reward them accordingly.”
“We must confine ourselves to the present moment without taking thought of the one before or the one to come.”
“No moment is trivial, since each one contains a divine Kingdom, a heavenly sustenance.”
“God hides himself in order to raise souls up to that perfect faith which will discover him under every disguise.”
While I mostly enjoyed this book, and love the idea of God permeating everything and every moment… I will admit that some of his line thinking did challenge me a bit especially when speaking of God’s will in the midst of suffering and hardship. Some stuff I will continue to wrestle with and ponder. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Most of the quotes below are from Chapter 9, probably my favourite section of the book.
“He who recognizes a king in disguise treats him differently from he who sees before him only the figure of an ordinary man and treats him accordingly. Likewise, souls who can recognize God in the most trivial, the most grievous and the most mortifying things that happen to them in their lives, honour everything equally with delight and rejoicing, and welcome with open arms what others dread and avoid.”
“To discover God in the smallest and most ordinary things, as well as in the greatest, is to possess a rare and sublime faith. To find contentment in the present moment is to relish and adore the divine will in the succession of all things to be done and suffered which make up the duty of the present moment. The pure heart, simple souls, worship God in all the most adverse circumstances; their faith triumphs over everything.”
“A living faith is nothing else than a steadfast pursuit of God through all that disguises, disfigures, demolishes and seeks, so to speak, to abolish him.”
“Divine action has always been the source from which flows a torrent of grace which spreads over everything. Henceforth I shall no longer seek it within the narrow confines of a book, or the life of a saint, or a sublime idea. These are mere drops in an ocean flowing over all creation.”
“You are seeking God, dear sisters, and he is everywhere. Everything proclaims him to you, everything reveals him to you, everything brings him to you. He is by your side, over you, around and in you….. you seek perfection and it lies in everything that happens to you - your suffering, your actions, your impulses are the mysteries under which God reveals himself to you.”
“Everything turns to bread to nourish me, soap to wash me, fire to purify me, and chisel to fashion me in the image of God. Grace supplies all my needs. Should I look for it everywhere it will always fine me and be manifest in all creation.”
“Everything leads to union with him; everything brings about perfection except sin and what is not our duty.”
“His Holy Spirit pervades every atom in your body, to the very marrow of your bones.”
“Come, not only to look at the map of the spiritual country, but to possess it and walk in it without fear of losing your way. Come, not to study the history of God’s divine action, but to be its object; not to learn what has achieved….. but simply to be the subject of its operation”
“Let us unceasingly impress upon every soul that the invitation of this gentle, loving saviour excepts nothing difficult or extraordinary of them. He is not making impossible demands on them, he only asks that their good intention be united to His so that he may lead, guide and reward them accordingly.”
“We must confine ourselves to the present moment without taking thought of the one before or the one to come.”
“No moment is trivial, since each one contains a divine Kingdom, a heavenly sustenance.”
“God hides himself in order to raise souls up to that perfect faith which will discover him under every disguise.”
While I mostly enjoyed this book, and love the idea of God permeating everything and every moment… I will admit that some of his line thinking did challenge me a bit especially when speaking of God’s will in the midst of suffering and hardship. Some stuff I will continue to wrestle with and ponder. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Most of the quotes below are from Chapter 9, probably my favourite section of the book.
“He who recognizes a king in disguise treats him differently from he who sees before him only the figure of an ordinary man and treats him accordingly. Likewise, souls who can recognize God in the most trivial, the most grievous and the most mortifying things that happen to them in their lives, honour everything equally with delight and rejoicing, and welcome with open arms what others dread and avoid.”
“To discover God in the smallest and most ordinary things, as well as in the greatest, is to possess a rare and sublime faith. To find contentment in the present moment is to relish and adore the divine will in the succession of all things to be done and suffered which make up the duty of the present moment. The pure heart, simple souls, worship God in all the most adverse circumstances; their faith triumphs over everything.”
“A living faith is nothing else than a steadfast pursuit of God through all that disguises, disfigures, demolishes and seeks, so to speak, to abolish him.”
“Divine action has always been the source from which flows a torrent of grace which spreads over everything. Henceforth I shall no longer seek it within the narrow confines of a book, or the life of a saint, or a sublime idea. These are mere drops in an ocean flowing over all creation.”
“You are seeking God, dear sisters, and he is everywhere. Everything proclaims him to you, everything reveals him to you, everything brings him to you. He is by your side, over you, around and in you….. you seek perfection and it lies in everything that happens to you - your suffering, your actions, your impulses are the mysteries under which God reveals himself to you.”
“Everything turns to bread to nourish me, soap to wash me, fire to purify me, and chisel to fashion me in the image of God. Grace supplies all my needs. Should I look for it everywhere it will always fine me and be manifest in all creation.”
“Everything leads to union with him; everything brings about perfection except sin and what is not our duty.”
“His Holy Spirit pervades every atom in your body, to the very marrow of your bones.”
“Come, not only to look at the map of the spiritual country, but to possess it and walk in it without fear of losing your way. Come, not to study the history of God’s divine action, but to be its object; not to learn what has achieved….. but simply to be the subject of its operation”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
Fiat! Very spiritually enriching book.
March 30, 2020
The kind of spirituality that seems lovely, and then you look one layer deeper and realize how oppressive it is to anyone who isn't the most privileged group in a culture. Language of submission and surrender, particularly, has been used to keep women from equal status -- this book could be a case study in how that happens through the best of intents.
April 16, 2020
The title says it all. This exhortation is gentle but persistent.
February 9, 2024
Timeless knowledge from a bygone age reminding us to focus on the present, keep things simple, and let God handle the rest
January 11, 2021
“The divine activity permeates the whole universe , it pervades every creature; wherever they are it is there; it goes before them, with them, and it follows them; all they have to do is to let the waves bear them on.” (pg 8)
Book 1 and Book 2, Chapters 1-2 are so powerful and absolutely 5 stars. This little book is so memorable! Even when I left it for a little while to come back to it later, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
It reminded me of Brother Lawrence’s Practice of the Presence of God in that what is called to be practiced is simple. Through faith and humility, leave all things of life for the divine action.
Cassaude paints a beautiful picture of someone who practices this full abandonment. He creates a beautiful and holy icon for us to emulate!
“Such souls have no more consistence and rigidity than molten metal... Their disposition resembles the atmosphere, which is affected by every breeze; or water, which flows into any shaped vessel exactly filling every crevice.. They are before God like a perfectly woven fabric with a clear surface; and neither think, nor seek to know what God will be pleased to trace thereon, because they have confidence in Him... On the surface of this simple canvas of love and obedience His hand traces the most beautiful design, the most delicate, and intricate pattern, the most divine figures. ‘The Lord hath made His holy one wonderful.’” (pg 61)
The end of the book somewhat dragged for me. He was more specific in these later chapters of the characteristics of an abandoned person and their trials, and I found this section not as relatable as the earlier parts of the book b/c it was almost... too specific? Hence the 4 star rating.
But this book is wonderful and I would definitely recommend it to anyone confused about God’s will or about the way he or she should “be.” This book is perfect for anyone wishing to submit to God in the every moment of life - traffic, job loss, folding the laundry, or illness.
“To consider God equally good in things that are petty and ordinary as in those that are great and uncommon is to have faith that is not ordinary, but great and extraordinary.” (pg 23)
Book 1 and Book 2, Chapters 1-2 are so powerful and absolutely 5 stars. This little book is so memorable! Even when I left it for a little while to come back to it later, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
It reminded me of Brother Lawrence’s Practice of the Presence of God in that what is called to be practiced is simple. Through faith and humility, leave all things of life for the divine action.
Cassaude paints a beautiful picture of someone who practices this full abandonment. He creates a beautiful and holy icon for us to emulate!
“Such souls have no more consistence and rigidity than molten metal... Their disposition resembles the atmosphere, which is affected by every breeze; or water, which flows into any shaped vessel exactly filling every crevice.. They are before God like a perfectly woven fabric with a clear surface; and neither think, nor seek to know what God will be pleased to trace thereon, because they have confidence in Him... On the surface of this simple canvas of love and obedience His hand traces the most beautiful design, the most delicate, and intricate pattern, the most divine figures. ‘The Lord hath made His holy one wonderful.’” (pg 61)
The end of the book somewhat dragged for me. He was more specific in these later chapters of the characteristics of an abandoned person and their trials, and I found this section not as relatable as the earlier parts of the book b/c it was almost... too specific? Hence the 4 star rating.
But this book is wonderful and I would definitely recommend it to anyone confused about God’s will or about the way he or she should “be.” This book is perfect for anyone wishing to submit to God in the every moment of life - traffic, job loss, folding the laundry, or illness.
“To consider God equally good in things that are petty and ordinary as in those that are great and uncommon is to have faith that is not ordinary, but great and extraordinary.” (pg 23)
April 15, 2022
Contains many beautiful images.
"Each blow of the hammer on the chisel can only produce one cruel mark at a time, and the stone struck by repeated blows cannot know, nor see the form produced by them. It only feels that it is being diminished, filed, cut, and altered by the chisel. And a stone that is destined to become a crucifix or a statue without knowing it, if he were asked, "What is happening to you?" would reply if it could speak, "Do not ask me, I only know one thing, and that is, to remain immovable in the hands of my master, to love him, and to endure all that he inflicts on me. As for the end for which I am destined, it is His business to understand how it is to be accomplished; I am as ignorant of what He is doing as of what I am destined to become; all I know is that His work is the best, and the most perfect it could be, and I receive each blow of the chisel as the most excellent thing that could happen to me, although, truth to tell, each blow, in my opinion causes the idea of ruin, destruction, and disfigurement. But that is not my affair; content with the present moment, I think of nothing but my duty, and I endure the work of this clever master without knowing, or occupying myself about it."
"Each blow of the hammer on the chisel can only produce one cruel mark at a time, and the stone struck by repeated blows cannot know, nor see the form produced by them. It only feels that it is being diminished, filed, cut, and altered by the chisel. And a stone that is destined to become a crucifix or a statue without knowing it, if he were asked, "What is happening to you?" would reply if it could speak, "Do not ask me, I only know one thing, and that is, to remain immovable in the hands of my master, to love him, and to endure all that he inflicts on me. As for the end for which I am destined, it is His business to understand how it is to be accomplished; I am as ignorant of what He is doing as of what I am destined to become; all I know is that His work is the best, and the most perfect it could be, and I receive each blow of the chisel as the most excellent thing that could happen to me, although, truth to tell, each blow, in my opinion causes the idea of ruin, destruction, and disfigurement. But that is not my affair; content with the present moment, I think of nothing but my duty, and I endure the work of this clever master without knowing, or occupying myself about it."
February 12, 2016
An engaging book with a simplicity and yet digs deep into full surrender. At times this was a four star book for me and then it slipped back into three simply because the concepts seem to repeat and didn't go deeper. This quote was one of my favorites from the book:
With God, the more we seem to lose, the more we gain. The more he takes away what is natural, the more he gives of what is supernatural. He is loved at first for his gifts, but when these are no longer perceptible, he is at least loved for himself. It is by the apparent withdrawal of these tangible gifts that he prepares the way for the great gift that is the greatest and most precious of all, since it embraces all other gifts"
With God, the more we seem to lose, the more we gain. The more he takes away what is natural, the more he gives of what is supernatural. He is loved at first for his gifts, but when these are no longer perceptible, he is at least loved for himself. It is by the apparent withdrawal of these tangible gifts that he prepares the way for the great gift that is the greatest and most precious of all, since it embraces all other gifts"
August 22, 2011
As mystic works go that I've read, de Caussade is perhaps the most buried in the cloister. There is nothing particularly ill about SAtDP, save for a bit of sketchy theology, but I think this is far more intended for monks and nuns than regular folk in the 21st looking for spiritual wisdom. Athletic training is great for marathon runners but less useful for accountants; likewise, I think this book is more nourishing for those who live reclusive lives, but holds less for laity than John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila or Francis of Sales (who is frequently mentioned, btw.)
Plus, it's pretty long.
Plus, it's pretty long.
August 16, 2015
Although written by a Jesuit priest, Abandonment to Divine Providence feels much more Carmelite, with a significant influence from St Francis de Sales too. (This makes sense, since he was writing to the Nuns of the Visitation, an Order founded by St Francis.)
The book, published posthumously, is comprised mostly of letters written by Fr de Caussade to various Sisters of the community in Nancy, France.
If I could sum up the (kind of repetitive) book in one word, it would be "Fiat."
It reminds me very much of Ascent of Mount Carmel and Practice of the Presence of God.
The book, published posthumously, is comprised mostly of letters written by Fr de Caussade to various Sisters of the community in Nancy, France.
If I could sum up the (kind of repetitive) book in one word, it would be "Fiat."
It reminds me very much of Ascent of Mount Carmel and Practice of the Presence of God.
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