Reflections from the Heart – March 9, 2025

First Sunday of Lent
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“For to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways.” Would you consider yourself self-directed or spiritually directed? It is an important point and question to consider for your own happiness is at stake as well as ours. One direction clearly points us to God and carries with it a joyful disposition, the expectation of an answered prayer and a glorious freedom of spirit that even in uncertain moments still breathes hope and trust even in the darkness of evil and the darkest of times. The other direction tends to bring with it an all-consuming, never ending sadness. It breathes bitter confusion to all and to all surroundings. It causes an unquenchable dissatisfaction in our lives and the lives of others causing us to want more, however, we sell out and settle for less. Some people we encounter in our day-to-day claim by words or witness or even by their own testimony or confession to be spiritual in being or spiritually fed and led. However, by their own action and outward appearance and deeds they prove to be self-reliant and independent even though they pray and are spiritual in nature but in true life, they remain self-directed. The choices they make, the intentions that flow from their hearts, the preferences that follow their own decisions are self-interested, self-suggested and self-motivated hence, they are self-directed even though they pray. Sometimes we pray in a spirit of discernment when in actuality we have already made a choice, we already have a preference and we have already made a decision. We pray not to know God’s wisdom or to know God’s preference or will, or his thought or input. We know what we want. We have already determined how the decision should be implemented and even have a preference in the delivery of the goods and the expected due date. All we need is God to bend his will to ours. We manipulate the prayer. We negotiate with our Creator. That does not sound spiritual in nature even though you prayed. Not being self-centered or selfishly directed and not being self-motivated in discernment but rather spiritually open and welcoming is to allow God the freedom, space and authority to utilize his infinite wisdom and his loving desire to will the greatest good for you. To choose the best possible outcome and decision for you in order to bring about the greatest possible happiness for your sake, your family and that of the whole world. Trust God. He cares for you.