June 19, 2021

Underneath the interactions, psychological exchanges, split-second decisions and general drama that plays out over the course of a lifetime are these things called assumptions.  Assumptions are deep, invisible realities that dwell in our souls and dictate how we act.  They end up there through our experiences in a given household, culture, religious tradition, race, economic background, etc.  Because there is a period of time when we have not yet developed a reasoning capacity to filter what gets transmitted into us, we just end up accepting it all and carry all of that baggage around with us.  Thus, when we talk to another person, hardly is it two human beings who are communing, but rather two containers of assumptions ego-dueling, as we try to figure out what is inside the other person and strive to protect our own “stuff.”  What a pathetic vision for life!  The life of Jesus, especially crucified, is nevertheless an invitation to “put out into the deep” (Lk 5:4) and go through the long process of emptying ourselves of these assumptions (cf. Phil 2:7). Indeed, through a life of prayer, discipline and obedience to the Father, we shall instead come face to face with the millstones that have been around our necks through the years (cf. Mt 18:6).  We shall learn to assume good will and begin to enjoy positive relationships. We shall have life. Ave Crux, Spes Unica.