A friend sent me a link today to this April 3 homily of Pope Francis. The Pope’s homily, in which he references the road to Emmaus Gospel reading of that day, is about how complaining and wallowing in discouragement prevent us from recognizing Christ in our lives. I wanted to share.:)
It occurred to me while I was reading this that even when we don’t complain out loud about our difficulties, a lot of times we still complain interiorly, in effect, by feeling sorry for ourselves and by thinking constantly about our troubles. (Or maybe that’s just me?!:)
Worrying too much, going over things too much–all those little ways of essentially complaining in our hearts instead of giving each and all to God–prevent us from seeing God’s merciful, purposeful, and loving hand in our lives.
One of my favorite parts of the homily:
“When all people can think of is how wrong things are going, the Lord is close, but we don’t recognize him. He walks with us, but we don’t recognize him. Like the disciples joined by the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus, people can hear beautiful things, but deep down, they continue to be afraid.”
“Complaining seems safer. It’s something certain. This is my truth: failure. But the Gospel story shows how very patient Jesus is with the disciples, first listening to them and then explaining things step by step, until they see him. Jesus does this with us, too…even in the darkest moments, he is always with us, walking with us.”
May Jesus patiently continue to teach me how to let nothing disturb or dismay me, and what it means to let Him suffice for all my needs.
Thanks for sharing this Erin! -Mary Lou