Toward the beginning of this retreat, I mentioned a friend who had threatened the lives of several of my other friends. This evening, I received a call from one of them, saying that the grapevine has it that this man is threatening John as a way to get even with me. He finds my philosophy abhorrent.

This upset me very much, and I took it to my Father in prayer. He led me to pray for several things—John’s safety, courage (I was badly frightened), etc. Most of all, He gave me a very tender pity for the man. Oh, how wounded he must be! How he must hurt to want to lash back at the world in such a way! I prayed for his healing.

Tonight I feel very much like Abraham with Isaac. All I can do is trust my Father to know what He’s doing and to bring good from this evil situation. (1)

(1) Spiritual director: Remember this heartbreaking experience. Do you think Mary felt this way when people threatened her Son?