When was the last time you calibrated the GPS in your car or on your cellphone? I always plan a road trip to destinations like the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy by accessing MapQuest or Google directions. I like to be aware of where I am going before I start and not blindly follow an automated voice. Although I was never a Boy Scout, I observe their motto to be prepared. When traveling you do not know when the unexpected may take place, and you should at least know whether you are traveling North, South, East or West. Have you experienced a bad connection when the GPS does not work, or is not updated in advance of your arrival and sends you to an inaccessible country road bridge under repair? A different kind Let’s look at a different kind of GPS, what I like to call the “God Propelled Substance,” which I am in the early stages of incorporating into my own life. By substance I mean our “heart.” As St. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Gal 4: 4-7) Folks, the table has been set and we have been invited; now is the time for us to sit and partake. Give Jesus, the Divine Mercy, permission to enter your heart and guide you, based on your soul rather than your brain. The saints knew where to acquire reliable guidance — especially the young ones! For example, there is much spiritual wisdom to be gained from St. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903), the Italian mystic whose feast day (Apr. 11) we recently celebrated. Her guardian angel was not just a silent protector but an active participant in her life. She was enlightened through her angel’s instruction about preparation for her judgment day with God, which came at a young age (25). A primary behavior in becoming closer to God is to speak less, listen more; do not offer an opinion unless you are asked. Her angel summarized this as a habit integral to achieving humility which is critical to become closer to God. Another message from St. Gemma’s angel reminds us to pray for those in Purgatory and our deceased loved ones. A charity that does not cost you a dime, just your time. Remember that the next time you realize that you are current on your responses to Facebook, emails, and texts! Our newest saint Another young saint will be our newest: Bl. Carlo Acutis (1991-2006). He also spoke to his guardian angel about aiding him with day-to-day life. He was a toddler when the internet became public, and at a young age appreciated the opportunities of worldwide access. Even at age 15, Carlo was perceptive enough to understand the immediate access to sin at your fingertips. He proceeded to discipline himself to just one hour of video games a week in order to maintain his primary reason for living, a relationship with God. Incredible wisdom from a teenage boy! During this Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond, may all of us calibrate our own “God Propelled Substance” and allow Jesus to enter our heart after receiving the Eucharist. By allowing Jesus into our hearts, we are not acting like the innkeepers on that magnificent night in Bethlehem, but rather preparing ourselves to dine with Him in Heaven. Saint Gemma Galgani and Bl. Carlo Acutis, please pray for us! Kevin Wilson is the author of The Saint I Knew! Exciting “Encounters” with Holiness, featuring Bl. Carlo Acutis and published by Marian Press (code: B66-MKST), available now on ShopMercy.org. Time to calibrate your ‘GPS’ Marian Helper • Summer 2025 • Marian.org 25 By Kevin Wilson
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