Regarding Free Will

by Dru
(USA)

QUESTION: My husband has lost his way with God in recent years and has stopped praying and saying his rosary.

It's a long story about why this happened, but, it involves someone coming into his life and misinterpretation of why he met this person. It also put a strain on our marriage.

I worry about his spiritual life now. He has lost faith in God and blames him for not answering his prayers. We've had so many blessings in our life, but, my husband seems not to be grateful for them.

Is praying for him enough, since he has free will and does not seem to want to change? I guess my question is ... Can God change my husband's heart even if he chooses not to be swayed using his God-given "free will?"

ANSWER: Dear sister in Christ, never lose hope! Take heart from the story of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine. In his youth, Augustine committed every sin imaginable - illicit sex, drinking, you name it. And yet, St. Monica kept on praying for his son. In fact, praying for her son's conversion became her number 1 mission in life, as a mother.

In the end, Augustine not only was converted - he went on to become one of the greatest saints the world has ever known. St. Monica herself was elevated to sainthood - all because she kept the Faith, and kept praying for her son, even during the moments when all seemed lost.

Nothing is impossible with God! Keep on praying with the rosary, in particular. Let us not forget the promises of Our Lady to those who say the rosary: http://www.all-about-the-virgin-mary.com/fifteen-promises-rosary.html. Among her promises is that she will grant "everything that you ask for" through the rosary.

Yes, indeed your husband has free will, but with enough prayers, God can change his heart.