The Open Hands of a Saint

As we celebrate All Saints Day, I fondly remember how our kids would research a saint, make a costume, and spend the entire day celebrating and sharing their chosen saint. Such good memories to ponder! Although I won’t be dressing up, I would like to continue the tradition and bring to light St. Nicholas of Flué, the patron saint of Switzerland. He is not well known, but he has been a meaningful part of my spiritual journey.

Nicholas was born into a wealthy family in 1417; he married and had ten children. In his early years, he was a farmer, served in the military, was a magistrate, and was a highly respected councilor.  At 50, he left it all behind – including his wife and children – because, in a vision, he heard the Lord calling him to live as a hermit. Surprisingly, his wife agreed to this significant vocation change. However, many others, including his older children, found his decision irresponsible and immoral. Brother Klaus persisted and set up a residence near his hometown. Nicholas survived by eating only the Holy Eucharist for his last 19 years.! All who encountered him respected Nicholas for his holiness and wisdom, which resulted in many people visiting him for advice. He passed away in 1487, surrounded by his wife and children. He has descendants that survive to this day.

I first met St. Nicholas of Flué through his prayer in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (226) regarding “The implications of faith in one God,” an aspect of which is making good use of created things. 

My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from You.

My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to You.

My Lord and my God, detach me from myself in order to give my all to You.

St. Nicholas of Flué

This prayer encourages us to detach ourselves from worldly goods and possessions – to recognize they are all gifts from God, that we should not cling to them, and that we must be good stewards. It is a prayer made with open hands and a disposition that, “All that I have is Yours, Lord.” When I first began this prayer, I focused on worldly possessions and receiving them as gifts. However, as I started working through deeper spiritual and personal matters, I asked the Lord to remove the burdens of suffering, fear, and pain. In return, I wanted peace, joy, and rest. Through this prayer, I quickly learned I was not in control of what Jesus would give and what He was willing to take from me. He challenges me to peacefully surrender and trust in Him.

I invite you to experience this prayer with me. Take a moment to make yourself comfortable. Breathe deeply, drop your shoulders, and place your open hands on your lap (palms up). Imagine Jesus sitting across from you, looking deeply into your eyes. 

Now, speak the words of the first line of the prayer.

My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from You.

What does Jesus want to take from you? An unhealthy relationship, a job that is sucking the life out of you? Or is there a burden you are carrying that you need to surrender to Him? What person, material good, or worry is standing in the way of your peace? It can be hard to keep our hands open. Gently resist the grasping, look in His eyes, and trust Him.

Speak the second line of the prayer to the Lord.

My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to You.

What does Jesus want to give you? A new friend, a new journey, or a new challenge? How does He want to draw you close? What gift of grace will help you abide in Him? Do you need Him to affirm your identity, increase your courage, or provide more opportunities to love like Him? Again, breathe, keep your hands open, and gaze deeply into His eyes.

Finally, speak the last line.

My Lord and my God, detach me from myself in order to give my all to You.

What is holding you back from being the love and light of Christ to others? What pruning might you need? Pride, perfectionism, greed, fear?  With one more deep breath, surrender and hand over these obstacles to the Lord.

As for me, the Lord routinely asks me to give Him the judgments I carry about myself and others – to see everyone, myself included – as His beloved child. In return, He gives me the opportunity and grace to experience His love and rest through the kindness of others. Lastly, he encourages me to detach myself from my fear of rejection, my desire for perfectionism, and my hesitancy to use the gifts and talents He has given me. When I detach from all that keeps me from Him, I can bring His love and goodness to others through personal encounters and writing.

Today, this prayer is a powerful way to prepare my heart to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. The prayer lets me surrender to the graces the Lord wants to pour into my heart. It reminds me to seek His will in my wants and desires and not my own.

St. Nicholas achieved a level of detachment and sanctity that, well, is only found in saints! As we make sainthood and heaven our goal, perhaps we can use his prayer to help us along the way.

Happy All Saints Day!

St. Nicholas of Flué, pray for us.

• St. Nicholas of Flué. Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4858
• St. Nicholas of Flué. EWTN.https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/nicholas-of-flue-710
• St. Nicholas of Flué. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_of_Flüe