People always say, "No regrets." Live without dwelling on past mistakes and missed opportunities. Well, today I'm going to reverse that a little bit—and I'm going to share with you my biggest regret about being divorced. And it might not be what you think.
Living without regrets is a nice idea, and I think for most of the time we should be looking forward and doing our best to create our future. But if we never reflect on our past mistakes, then we miss a lot of the important life lessons that make us a better person.
Today is Day 7 of the Novena to St. Francis for Divorced Catholics.
My biggest regret about divorce
My biggest regret about things that happened when I was going through my divorce is really all the times—and there were so many—where I allowed my emotions to dictate my behavior. I lashed out in anger. I said so many things that I wish dearly I could take back. I really just treated people poorly because I was in pain and suffering.
A lot of people would say, "Well, that's totally understandable." And I don't necessarily disagree. Charity doesn't require you to be a doormat. You don't have to lay down and just let people walk all over you. But as I look back at all of those things, I wish I had been a better person.
St. Francis wouldn't let suffering destroy his peace
Despite the pain and suffering that St. Francis endured in his life, he always came from this perspective: something terrible might be happening in my life right now, but I will not allow it to destroy the peace in my heart.
And where did St. Francis get that kind of peace? He got it from his devotion to Jesus. And it's the same place we should go to draw peace.
St. Francis even took care of the very thieves that tried to steal from him. And you know what happened to those thieves? Eventually they converted their hearts, and they became friars in his own order. You never know the weight an act of kindness can carry.
Ask for a heart filled with charity
As we pray today on the seventh day of our novena to St. Francis, we ask God to grant our intentions—but we also ask Him for the grace to fill our hearts with charity, especially when charity is so difficult.
Novena prayer to St. Francis
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Francis, you served everyone without hesitation or discrimination. You even took care of thieves by sending them food with the hopes of bringing them closer to God through your kindness. I'm dealing with my own thieves and look to your example for encouragement, so I can forgive and find a way to be charitable. Please ask God to grant me these graces I need so badly. Most of all, I ask for peace in my heart and for this special intention.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
St. Francis, patron of peace and families, pray for us.
Taking the next step
If you're looking for more support as a divorced or separated Catholic, explore the Journey of Hope online subscriptions. The program offers Catholic teaching, encouragement, and practical support from the privacy of your own home.
Watch the video: Novena to St. Francis for Divorced Catholics — Day 7
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