By Father John Catoir | Catholic News Service

Faith teaches us that divine providence is somehow at work behind the scenes in the day-to-day events of our lives. Ask yourself, How did your parents meet? What sparked the mutual attraction between them? They probably met by accident, or so it seemed to them.

Whatever the explanation might have been, the fact is that God knew from all eternity that you were to be born from these two people. Only they could have produced you.

Consider that God wanted you to come to life. Jesus told us he wanted our joy to be full, and that included you. We don't understand these mysteries, but divine providence is certainly a factor in all of our lives, not only on good days but also on bad.

Knowing this, we are often puzzled about God's silence, especially when we pray for him to take on the role of a superhero and come charging to our rescue. We need to know why he is silent.

One of the great spiritual writers, Meister Eckhart, said we should always take courage because God will always save us in the end, even if we have to endure what seems like his silence. He meant that we should bear patiently with God, even when we do not fully understand why he seems, to us, aloof at times. We must learn to trust the Lord always.

To remain accepting and without complaint takes courage. But remember: A single act of trust, based on your faith in God's love, is far more meritorious than a dozen professions of faith. Trust in divine love in all circumstances. The hidden hand of God is always present.

                You are responsible for your thoughts and actions. Accept that you have become who you are largely because of your own choices, the good and bad.

Therefore, as you move into the future, think wisely. Do not give in to any doubt about God's loving presence in your life. Thoughts may come willy-nilly into your mind, but you can weed out the doubts and fears that sabotage your joy. You can say yes or no to each and every thought.

Feelings follow thoughts, just as actions follow feelings. Actions in turn lead to habits, and habits determine your character and destiny.

One little doubt about God's loving control over every situation can weaken your faith. But trust God in all circumstances. Trust him even when you think you feel his silence. It will enable you to rejoice even more when he does come through for you, as he always does. Therefore, when the not-so-great times come, find the courage to rejoice, anticipating the victory.

The Lord is aware that life, with its many sorrows, can be a penance. We all pine for paradise. This yearning for God is always with us.

Be at peace then and trust that God will support you, not only on good days but also on bad. His silence is an illusion. Your supreme purpose in life is to save your soul by trusting the goodness of the hidden hand of God.