Religion

One of the pitfalls of religion is that often it is more about men than about God. The focus is more on the code, the norm, the customs and traditions, than a personal relationship with God. Religion gives the impression that for as long as all the do's and don't have been complied with, I am "okay" with God.
This is very much what Jesus is against. God doesn't need our perfect rituals or our unblemished conscience. God doesn't even need our good works. It is we who need those good works because they are expressions of how "the mind and the heart" of Jesus have become our own.
What does God want of us? A contrite heart and a humble spirit; that is, an acknowledgment that all that we are depends on Him. God wants us to live in gratitude and trust. These are not negative qualities of dependence, but a realistic acceptance of the truth.

Indifference

A big news in Rome these days is the death of a young lady burned by her ex-boyfriend. She asked at least two motorists for help but no one stopped, and this tragedy happened.
Indifference kills. In this instance, it killed a very young lady full of life and hopes for a future. It also killed what is human in each one of us, the natural instinct to reach out and be of help.
Certainly, there are many facets and aspects to the story. There are reasons for the choices of each of the persons involved in this event.
We pray that the young lady may enjoy eternal peace in heaven. We pray for us, that we may wake up and see that we, too, are accountable for a lot of things that are happening in the world, directly or indirectly.
Indifference kills.

Righteous?

Can any person truly consider himself righteous, completely blameless?
I don't think so.
The more we know ourselves, the more we become aware of the different shades of gray in our lives. But we don't despair because we always "confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help" (Heb 4:16).

The solitude of celibacy

The emotions of these past days have made me once again experience the solitude of celibacy.
The human person is truly created for union and communion. The human heart looks for this.
As I grow older, hopefully enriched by my experiences, more and more I come to realize that union and communion have nothing to do with clinging or possession.
At certain points of our life we have to let go of persons, events and memories. This would make us intensely feel solitude. We come face to face with our vulnerability; that, indeed, we are never self-sufficient.
The experience of solitude can either lead us to despair or skepticism; but it can also lead us to surrender to God.
The choice is up to us. Whatever our choice is, it will determine our life.