Reflections from the Heart – June 4, 2023

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company.” Embarking on a journey leads us to consider many points of interest and to consider many fascinating questions like where are we going, how long will the journey take, is the journey long, are we there yet? A journey can be like an adventure, something we have been longing for, something we are looking forward to, something we are hoping to undertake. A journey can provide new prospects to visit, new opportunities to consider, new experiences to look forward to, new avenues to take, new sights to see. Conversely, a journey can also be an unwelcome adventure. One that may require too much planning, involve too much uncertainty, and take too much time to prepare.  As busy as we are, who has time for a journey or even wants to take the risk that it might be an unpleasant trip.  However, when we consider that life is an unexpected but amazing journey, and that the journey is leading us to a place that is familiar to our soul, and to a person who created us from himself, then the journey becomes something worthwhile and something we look forward to, even when there are so many unknowns. We can consider God or heaven to be a final stop or the destination or even the final resting place. But heaven is so much more. It is not a final end but a new beginning.  It is a journey within itself. For some the journey itself is the most important aspect to consider. It is not about the arrival, but rather the experience of getting there. For others, it is not about the details, or points of interest or the experiences along the way, but rather about arriving safely. Naturally, after an on-time departure and an expected arrival as well.  For me, I wonder if it is not more about the One who says I am with you always until the end of the age, come follow me.  The One who encourages us to consider that he is the Way that we must go, the Truth we must follow, and the Life we must undertake for all eternity.  I am not certain if it’s truly about taking the road less traveled or avoiding pitfalls and obstacles along the way.  It seems like the journey and destination are both one and the same.  Jesus walks with us, accompanying us along the way, drawing us ever closer to himself, our home and final resting place.