Letter to a Prisoner at Christmas
December 13, 2024
Dear Gregory,
I ordered the books you asked for. They should arrive before you get this letter, specifically on Tuesday, December 17th. I love Amazon for making it easy to send items to you. I will also pray for the new warden, as it is undoubtedly a challenging job.
You mentioned feeling discouraged about your progress and unworthy of God’s love. Please remember that judging yourself harshly is a mistake. We often think we should be perfect, but that is impossible. God’s love for you is a gift. He is not surprised by your failures and knows all the mistakes you will make in your life, yet you are still His beloved. Reflect on the story of the Prodigal Son and let God’s love sink in.
The main struggle is to trust in God’s faithfulness towards you. God is always faithful and will never desert you. Trust shields us from despair and depression and is a grace that heals over time. As we grow in trust, our sins and faults draw us deeper into God’s mercy and love, bringing healing. For those who seek God, deep, abiding trust is essential. God’s love remains constant, regardless of your emotional or psychological state. Our inner life is in flux, and we must root ourselves in Jesus to withstand inner suffering.
Here’s a quote from The Simple Path to Union with God:
“Jesus told Peter, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch’ (Lk 5:4). Jesus is calling each of us into the deep. It takes courage to leave the safety of the shore and live in the depth of faith, hope, and love, where we no longer are in control. Peter had the humility to let go of his plans, his securities, even his expertise as a fisherman and swim against the current of the world in obedience to the Lord. Don Mauro Giuseppe wrote about the saints: They had imperfections, but they were filled with courage. They were humble in that they lived radically the call to love and gave themselves completely. Humility opens the way for courage. A humble person has renounced his ego for the Lord and can do what is most difficult. He can listen and respond. Such a person flies on the wings of the Holy Spirit to union with God.”
When reading, let the words sink in. Stay with them, even if you feel nothing. The Holy Spirit is always at work, speaking to us. We learn to listen to the Holy Spirit in all situations.
Take it one day at a time, as the saying goes. Trust and place your life in the hands of our loving Creator, as shown by Jesus Christ.
I look forward to hearing from you and assure you of my prayers.
In the love and peace of Jesus Christ,
Br. Mark Dohle
