Our Second Sunday Thought in 2026

For our second Sunday thought in 2026, we extend our "something we should take very seriously" thought during this past week. It's not about the devil, as was our last consideration. 

Of course, it wouldn't hurt to go back and reinforce our understanding and belief in the Evil One as we work our way through 2026. This is especially true in a world that mostly either ignores or laughs at the idea that the devil exists and that we are the object of his desire. And what is that desire? To drag us into hell, of course.

Say this to the average person we encounter these days (and sadly so to for many Catholics) and at best we'll get a perhaps patient, maybe condescending kind of nod of assent, at worst outright rolling-of-the-eyes mockery. As for that nod of assent, it's certainly something, but does the "nodder" really, REALLY believe in the existence of Satan and take seriously his relentless efforts to tear us away from God?

As for this Sunday thought, it's something from the 18th century that rings as true now as it did then. And the source is one priest and spiritual writer who has likely influenced the lives of many, many serious Catholics ever since.

Before we get to this excerpt from Abandonment to Divine Providence, a bit of encouragement to those of us who may not have already developed the habit of daily spiritual reading. By the grace of God, may 2026 be the year that this habit take its place in your daily routine. It's not so hard to do - really. You just need let's say 10 or 15 minutes and a good Catholic source to read. This last part can be a challenge these days. There's lots of stuff that spans a range of fluff to outright heresy. So do make the effort to find reliable sources.

And don't let this waylay you getting started. You can easily find a pdf of Abandonment to Divine Providence. Just search and it'll show up.

In any case, forthwith some penetrating insight to excite our Catholic sensibility from Father Jean de Caussade:

“So long as we live here below we cannot but find ourselves very imperfect and miserable. Now, would you like to have an efficacious remedy for all your evils? Here it is: Whilst detesting the sins which are the source of them, love, or at least accept, the consequences of your sins; that is to say, the feelings of abjection and self-contempt they excite in you: yet without trouble, without bitterness, without disquiet or discouragement. Remember that God, without willing sin, nevertheless employs it as a very useful instrument for keeping us in abasement. It is this knowledge of their nothingness, growing always clearer, which made the saints so profoundly humble. But the humility that is according to God is perpetually joyous and peaceful. You have a lively sense of your faults and imperfections. This can only be in proportion as God draws near to us, in proportion as we live and walk in His light. For the divine light, as it increases in brilliancy, enables us to see better into our interior and to discover there an abyss of misery and corruption. Hence such self-knowledge is one of the surest signs that we are making progress in the way of God.” (Father Jean de Caussade, S.J., †1751)

With a hope and prayer that this brief passage should stir up the desire to get on with regular spiritual reading. It's Sunday, and there's no better time to get started. If you're not already in the habit, this will make 2026 your best year yet.

Happy Sunday!