Hardened Heart

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081613.cfm) reminds me that there are a lot of consequences for having a hardened heart.

Divorce is a sensitive topic. Currently, the Philippines is one of the few countries who still not to allow divorce. We see in the gospel that divorce, even in the time of Jesus and even Moses was a sensitive topic. However, when Jesus explained that divorce should not be allowed, he also mentioned that not everyone would be able to understand it.

Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”

They said to him, “Then why did Moses command

that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?”

He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts

.....

He answered, “Not all can accept this word,

but only those to whom that is granted

Maybe in this particular situation, Jesus was referring to the teaching about divorce or the vocation of married life – that not everyone is for it, that not everyone can accept it. However, I believe that this is true in other aspects of our faith as well. Not everyone can accept it.

There are a lot of things hard to accept. It is hard to accept that we should surrender our lives to God and die of ourselves because we want to be in control of our lives, we want to enjoy life. It is hard to accept that we should carry our cross because we do not want to experience sufferings. It is hard to accept that we should love others first, because we want to put ourselves first. It is hard to accept that we should obey God, because there are a lot of times his will is against what we want, when we think we know better. Is it hard to do all these if our hearts are hardened to God.

Jesus tells us today not everyone can accept these things. Question is, are we one of those people? Do we submit our will to God, and die of ourselves and our desires, no matter how hard it is? Are we willing to carry our cross so we can be one with Jesus in his suffering as we prepare for eternal life with him? are we willing to love others first, and put their welfare above ours, even if they are unlovable people? Are we willing to obey God and the church leaders even if we do not always agree with them, even If we think we know better?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you it’s Friday! Lord, I pray for a heart that is made after yours. Slowly transform my heart to become more and more like yours. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-