The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
At times, the knowledge that my admittedly small hardships are nothing compared to God’s glory tempts me to sit and wait — to wait for the rocks and thorns in my life that choke the Word of God to just disappear; to wait for perfect conditions so I can get into a good prayer schedule; to wait for the day I wake up with my vices replaced with virtues and I’m a holy man ready to lead a family to heaven.
Paul reminds me that if I desire holiness, yes, I have been given “the firstfruits of the Spirit” but also yes, I will have to work on my soil.
Though I have eyes, I sometimes struggle to see the beautiful person of Christ present in the Eucharist, Scripture, and in every person I meet. I get frustrated when I don’t maintain a perfect prayer schedule. I get super motivated on Sunday to do a holy hour every day the next week, but by Wednesday I’ve only prayed 10 minutes and watched 10 episodes of The Office. But why?
I think it’s because I haven’t entirely cleared my soil of the choking thorns and heavy rocks present in my life: perfectionism, selfishness, laziness, comfort, pride. Until I fully remove these from my heart, I will not be able to share in the freedom of the children of God. But how?
Sacraments. Prayer. Fasting. Scripture. It doesn’t have to be a lot; it just has to be consistent. Committing to a daily holy hour may not be realistic but a daily holy 10 minutes is achievable! These ways to cultivate the soil of the soul are beautiful and simple. But simple doesn’t mean easy or comfortable. For as Benedict XVI put it, “You were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” It will be a labor of love for the One who is love.
What rocks and thorns are present in your soil? How will you take steps to remove them this week?
Tomás Aguilar is a Marine Corps Officer from Pennsylvania living in Okinawa, Japan. When not in uniform, you can find him on a mountain hiking, under the sea snorkeling, in the car singing Country or Gospel, or in the kitchen cooking. Check out his Instagram to see his world travels, attempts at cast iron pizza, and efforts to be the patron saint of memes!