So Many Grains of Wheat!

     “We know that all things work for good for those who love God” (Rm 8:28).

      ALL things! Not just good things or some things – God’s Word clearly states ALL things!

     As I sat in the chapel during a retreat, I allowed those words to penetrate and saturate my mind and heart. I desperately wanted and needed to believe that statement at this particular time. I have been having a difficult time lately with needed changes within myself – new changes in my behavior and with my reactions!

Powers of Distortion

     “To see another human being as he really is means to lay ourselves open to his influence. Thus when fear or dislike moves us to avoid him, this reaction is already evident in our gaze; the eye characterizes him, stifling the good, heightening the bad. We discern his intentions, make swift comparisons, and leap to conclusions. All this proceeds involuntarily, if not unconsciously (in which case our powers of distortion, uncurbed by reason, so their worst). Seeing is a protective service to the will to live. The deeper our fear or distaste of a person, the more tightly we close our eyes to him, until finally, we are incapable of perception, or the profound German word for it, Wahrnehmen: reception of truth. Then we have become blind to that particular person. This mysterious process lies behind every enmity. Discussion, preaching, explanations are utterly useless. The eye simply ceases to register what is plainly to be seen. Before there can be any change, a fundamental shift must take place in the general attitude. The mind must turn to justice, the heart expand; then only can the eye really begin to discern. Little by little the sheen of the object on which it rests strengthen its visual power, and slowing it recovers the health of the truth."                
                                                                                                      The Lord, Romano Guardini


     Unfortunately, we all experience this blindness! We are either the perpetrator or the victim. We have felt stunned, as we described in lurid detail, the actions of those with whom we struggle, as our listeners are blinded to what we see as truth! While at other times, we are the ones taken aback, by the lens with which a friend perceives someone, whom we see in an entirely different light.

Powerful Hurts

     We all have memories of painful incidents that have occurred in our lives: betrayal, feeling forgotten or left out, being criticized or put down, not being good enough, smart enough, thin enough, pretty enough, and the list goes on.

     Associated with these difficult memories is usually a person or persons who inflicted our pain. At times, just thinking of them or hearing their name can cause us to suffer. After all, they are the ones who hurt us and inflicted the wound deep within our heart. They are not affected by it, yet we feel burdened and hurt.

The Greatest Gift

     “We are called to withdraw at certain intervals into deeper silence and aloneness with God . . . not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything, to dwell lovingly in God’s presence . . . silent, empty, expectant, and motionless.” Blessed Teresa of Calcutta



     Withdrawing from activity, to spend time with God is something that our souls truly yearn for and need. Taking moments to be in His presence will always be fruitful, whether it’s apparent to us or not.