Life often unfolds in ways we never anticipated, leading to disappointment, frustration, and even hopelessness when our reality diverges from the dreams we once cherished. We imagine a future filled with success, love, and fulfillment, only to grapple with challenges, setbacks, and a life far from what we envisioned. The difference between our expectations and reality can be profoundly disheartening, making us question the purpose of our struggles and the fairness of life itself.
Yet, in these moments of disappointment, our faith in God and His Divine Providence can become a source of profound strength and comfort. The teachings of our faith remind us that our current circumstances, however difficult, are not without purpose. Through the lens of faith, we are called to trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, has a plan for our lives that ultimately serves our greatest good—even when we cannot see or understand it in the moment.
Eric Clapton's "Holy Mother" lyrics capture this yearning for divine comfort and guidance amid life's trials. Clapton, who penned the song during a period of immense personal struggle, cries out to the Blessed Mother for solace:
*Holy Mother, where are you?*
*Tonight, I feel broken in two.*
*I've seen the stars fall from the sky.*
*Holy Mother, can't keep from crying.*
These lines reflect the deep pain of a soul grappling with disappointment and loss, yet also express a profound hope that the Blessed Mother can provide us comfort and strength. Clapton's plea is not just for relief from suffering but for the grace to find peace within it—a peace that can only come from a relationship with the Holy Trinity.
Father Walter Chizek, in his book *He Leadeth Me*, offers a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith in the face of unimaginable hardship. As a priest who spent years in Soviet captivity, enduring harsh conditions and intense persecution, Chizek's story is one of unwavering trust in God's providence. He writes:
"God's will was not hidden somewhere "out there" in the situations in which I found myself; the situations themselves were his will for me. What he wanted was for me to accept these situations as from his hands, to let go of the reins and place myself entirely at his disposal. He was asking of me an act of total trust, allowing for no interference or restless striving on my part, no reservations, no exceptions, no areas where I could set conditions or seem to hesitate. He was asking a complete faith: faith in God's existence, in his providence, in his concern for the minutest detail, in his power to sustain me, and in his love protecting me."
Chizek's faith did not shield him from suffering but allowed him to find meaning and purpose. He understood that his circumstances, however dire, were part of a divine plan that he could not fully grasp but could trust nonetheless. This realization enabled him to endure his trials with a sense of peace and even joy, knowing that God was with him every step of the way.
For those of us struggling with life's disappointments, Chizek's insights offer a profound challenge: to see our trials not as meaningless burdens but as opportunities for growth and a more profound union with God. We can find true freedom and peace by surrendering our plans and expectations to God's will. This does not mean we will always understand why certain things happen or be spared from suffering. However, it does mean we can trust that God is working in all things for our ultimate good, and that even in our suffering, we can find joy and comfort in our faith.
The Christian promise of everlasting life is a dogma of our Catholic faith. In our relationship with Jesus and His Blessed Mother, we find the strength to endure our disappointments and the hope of a joy that surpasses anything this world can offer. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a deep assurance that, in the end, all things will be made right. As Clapton expresses in the closing lines of Holy Mother:
Oh, I feel the end has come,
No longer my legs will run.
You know I would rather be
In your arms tonight.
When my hands no longer play,
My voice is still; I fade away.
Holy mother, then I'll be
Lying in, safe within your arms.
Here, Clapton acknowledges the struggle, the anger, and the pain—but also the unwavering commitment to hold on to faith, no matter what. Chizek exemplified this commitment in his life, and we are called to embrace it.
Ultimately, our disappointment with life not turning out as expected can lead us to a relationship with God built on trust, surrender, and hope. By embracing our current circumstances as part of God's divine plan, we can find joy even while suffering, confident that our ultimate destination is not of this world but in the eternal joy of heaven with Jesus and His Blessed Mother.
(Helpful hint: I found when watching this video that turning on closed captioning allowed me to understand better the lyrics being sung. 😊)
