My Heart Declines Into Depression

My heart declines into depression

Just as day declines to evening, so often my heart declines into depression. Everything seems dull, every action feels like a burden. If anyone speaks, I scarcely listen. If anyone knocks, I scarcely hear. My heart is as hard as flint.

Then I go out into the field to meditate, to read the holy Scriptures, and I write down my deepest thoughts in a letter to you.

And suddenly your grace, dear Jesus, shatters the darkness with daylight, lifts the burden, relieves the tension. Soon tears follow sighs, and heavenly joy floods over me with the tears.

(Aelred of Rievaulx 1110 - 1167)

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Lord, take away my indifference

Lord, take away my indifference and
insensitivity to the plight of the poor.
When I meet you hungry, thirsty
or as a stranger,
show how I can give you food
or quench your thirst
or receive you in my home —
and in my heart.

(Mother Teresa)

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