I believe that virtually every individual on campus and in the world would agree that life is complicated. It is challenging, and painful; it changes every single moment. We often make plans and are confident in them, only to witness them shatter. Life is confusing. It seems so difficult to make the “right” choices that will lead us to a bright, happy, fulfilling future. In today’s first reading, however, God offers instructions which are striking in their simplicity. He says “This is what I commanded my people: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper”(Jer. 7:23). That’s it; that is the secret. We only have to listen to the Lord and trust in Him, and we will “prosper” as His people. However, as the reading goes on to explain, this is not always an easy decision. When God calls out to us, we as people are inclined, for whatever reason, to cover our ears and ignore Him. Today’s Responsorial Psalm refers to this. The response is “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts”. That image, of a hardening heart, is intense, but it is accurate. To stifle Christ’s voice is to suffocate our hearts, and it is a decision we make each time we sin, or every time we begin to believe that life is a journey we can take alone.
So, what drives us to “harden our hearts”? In my experience, stubbornness and fear act as the usual culprits. Especially now, as many of us dive headfirst into adulthood, we want to make our own paths, which is a noble undertaking. However, accepting God’s help in doing this can feel like giving up, when, in reality, we cannot begin the trek until we take God’s hand. No matter what, He will lovingly show us the way we must go. While He will not fend off every obstacle, He will stand beside us, and, no matter what, His words will call us home.
-Cailin ‘16
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