Solid ground

Sometimes we need to fall off our horse to realize that the ground we're treading on isn't solid.

Seeing God through our tears

In his homily two years ago about today's Gospel reading, Mary Magdalene's encounter with the Risen Christ, Pope Francis said that it is often through our tears that we are able to see God.
Yes, it is when we are totally stripped of our so-called abilities, accomplishments and entitlements that we come to realize that there is nothing that we can hold on to forever, no matter how great it may be.
Our experiences of failure and disillusionment can be opportunities for us to review our life and to focus on what really matters. Our tears can purify us and cleanse our eyes so we can see clearly.
But we need to make one necessary step: stop looking at ourselves and fix our eyes above.
Only then can we see that "it is the Lord".

True failure

We fail in religious life not because our projects don't succeed.
We fail in religious life when we no longer see with faith God's various mediations.

Pray

To pray is to listen to God. To listen requires time and attention. To listen is some sort of a pre-commandment. In fact, it is a prelude to the ten commandments: "Listen, Israel!"
I remember that I once heard a young father say "in my house everybody talks, nobody listens."
What a pity it is when we only talk and we don't know how to listen! It is listening that transforms talking into conversation.
In today's Gospel (Luke 5:12-16), we hear about Jesus' growing popularity, how many people were listening to Him and wanting to be healed. But in all these, Jesus goes off in deserted places to pray.
Prayer is a great equalizer. It enables us to take a reality check.
Prayer makes us realize that our accomplishments are good but they are not forever.
Prayer makes us remember that our difficulties and sufferings may be great but they are not forever.
Prayer helps us to understand that neither our accomplishments nor our sufferings defines who we are.
Prayer reminds us that, first and foremost, we are beloved children of a Good Father.

Believing in true love

Today, as I celebrate and thank God for the wonderful gift of life, I look back and see my journey with its ups and downs. There have been unpleasant experiences, difficult episodes and long periods of doubt and darkness. When they happened I just wanted them to come to an end. I think nobody wants to suffer. Every person wants to cut short the difficult part. No one would want to stay for long in an uncertain period of waiting. But somehow, as I look back, I know that I have tried to face them. I did not escape them. I have paid them my due. And little by little the pain eased. It took time but finally, the dawn has come.
I can truly say with Saint Paul that "for those who love God everything works together unto good". What is paradoxical is, I really had to experience with my own flesh this truth in order to make it my own personal truth.
Why do we need to suffer? Why do we have to pass through the crucible of solitude, of defeat, of betrayal, of despair? Is there no other way to grow except through the way of the cross? Perhaps. But what I know is, all men and women have to pass through the narrow door, so that in the process of pruning and purification we may come to the truth that really matters: we are loved in a unique and personal way.
When we come to terms with our imperfections and shadows, we can either wallow in despair or choose to cling to Someone and believe that we are loved just as we are, no ifs nor buts.
I choose to believe in that Love.

The question

In front of success or failure, happiness or sorrow ask yourself, "Will this be a big deal to me at the end of my life?" This will help you to know what to hold on to and what to let go of.